The measles epidemic in Bangladesh worsens, with over 220 children dead.

Data released by the government of Bangladesh on April 29th shows that since mid-March, the country has experienced a serious measles epidemic, with 227 children dead among nearly 35,000 suspected cases, most of which are children aged 6 months to 5 years old. This outbreak is one of the most serious measles epidemics in Bangladesh in decades. According to the World Health Organization data cited by the UK, from March 15th to April 14th alone, Bangladesh reported more than 19,000 suspected cases, with nearly 3,000 cases confirmed through laboratory testing. The WHO believes that the declining vaccination coverage in recent years is one of the main reasons for the rapid spread of the epidemic.