Measles infections in Bangladesh are being caused by the long-established B3 genotype, according to genetic analyses conducted by two leading national laboratories. Scientists confirm that the virus circulating in the country is not imported, but has been present locally for many years.
Genetic sequencing was carried out at the National Poliomyelitis, Measles and Rubella Laboratory under the public health institute, as well as at the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR). Both laboratories independently reached the same conclusion that the B3 strain is responsible for current infections.
The findings are based on analysis of samples collected over multiple periods. In total, 35 samples collected between December 2025 and January–February 2026 were tested at the national laboratory, while a further 38 samples were analysed in May 2026 at IEDCR. All results confirmed the presence of the B3 genotype.
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Laboratory findings
| Institution | Period | Number of samples | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Poliomyelitis, Measles and Rubella Laboratory | Dec 2025 – Feb 2026 | 35 | B3 genotype detected |
| IEDCR | May 2026 | 38 | B3 genotype detected |
According to global health data, 24 measles genotypes have been identified worldwide. In Bangladesh, the B3 strain has remained the dominant circulating variant for several years, although other strains have been detected in the past.
Virologist Khandaker Mahbuba Jamil stated that the B3 genotype was first identified in Bangladesh in 2014. She further noted that during a measles outbreak in Sitakunda, Chattogram in 2017–2018, genotype D8 was detected. Since then, surveillance has consistently identified B3 as the prevailing strain.
She also confirmed that the laboratory is approved by the World Health Organization and regularly submits genetic sequencing data to the organisation. According to her, the same strain has been circulating continuously, and therefore claims that measles spread from Rohingya camps are not supported by genetic evidence.
Mortality and surveillance data
According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), measles-related deaths in the country have exceeded 600. In the most recent 24-hour reporting period (Tuesday 8:00 a.m. to Wednesday 8:00 a.m.), seven deaths were recorded among individuals presenting with measles symptoms.
Cumulative figures reported by the health authorities show:
| Category | Number of deaths |
|---|---|
| Deaths with measles symptoms | 511 |
| Laboratory-confirmed measles deaths | 90 |
| Total reported deaths | Over 600 |
Health officials state that the outbreak began in March and has continued since then. Around 80 per cent of the deceased were children under five years of age.
Public health specialists note that some deaths recorded as symptomatic are widely believed by a section of experts to be measles-related, although confirmation is limited due to diagnostic constraints.
Health system response
Health authorities report that vaccination efforts have contributed to a reduction in transmission. However, measles-related mortality has continued despite interventions.
The Directorate General of Health Services has stated that children are also affected by other infections such as pneumonia during this period, and therefore not all recorded deaths are exclusively attributable to measles.
Clinical complications of measles include diarrhoea, ear infections, eye complications, and pneumonia, with pneumonia identified as a major cause of fatal outcomes.
Hospitals have been instructed to establish separate wards for measles patients, additional ventilators have been distributed, and designated facilities have been allocated for treatment, including the conversion of the DNCC Covid hospital for measles care.
Expert observations
Former Director of Disease Control at DGHS, Professor Be-Nazir Ahmed, stated that the outbreak represents a serious public health event that has not been effectively managed, despite its scale and impact on mortality.