Unvaccinated Children Bear Brunt of Deadly Measles Outbreak in Bangladesh
A recent study in Bangladesh has revealed a stark reality: 80 percent of children hospitalized with measles had not received a single vaccine dose against the highly contagious disease. This alarming finding comes amidst a significant outbreak, highlighting critical gaps in vaccination coverage.
The study, conducted by researchers from the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) and the Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute, looked at 341 children up to 14 years old admitted between April and May. Their findings were presented at a seminar at BRAC University, focusing on the country’s measles crisis.
Mustafizur Rahman, Senior Director of icddr,b’s Infectious Diseases Division, explained that of the unvaccinated children, 43 percent were under six months old and too young for routine vaccination. However, another 37 percent were older than nine months but still had not received any measles vaccine. Only 6 percent of all admitted children had received both recommended doses.
Bangladesh typically begins measles vaccination at nine months of age. This timing is due to the presence of protective antibodies passed from mothers to infants, which usually disappear between six and nine months. Research shows vaccinating younger infants is less effective, with 88-90 percent protection achieved when the vaccine is given between nine and twelve months, compared to 50-75 percent at four to six months.
The consequences of low vaccination rates are severe. Another investigation found that 91 percent of 337 children who died from measles were unvaccinated. A significant portion of these deaths, 52 percent, occurred in children younger than nine months old. Paediatrician Professor Abid Hossain Mollah noted that pneumonia, a common complication of measles, is often the direct cause of death for affected children.
Experts, including Professor Rahman and Professor Mahmudur Rahman, former Director of IEDCR, called for more in-depth research into measles, vaccine effectiveness, and children’s nutritional status. They emphasized the importance of good nutrition and breastfeeding, alongside vaccination, in protecting children. Mustafizur Rahman also suggested exploring the inclusion of pregnant women in measles vaccination programs.
The situation remains critical nationwide. Authorities recently reported four more child deaths with measles-like symptoms, 938 new suspected cases, and 113 newly confirmed cases. Since March 15, a total of 788 children have died from either confirmed or suspected measles infection.
