Measles Outbreak in Bangladesh Surpasses 67,000 Cases, Over 500 Deaths

A MARTÍNEZ, HOST: There are more than 67,000 suspected cases of measles in Bangladesh. More than 500 people have died. Most are young children. Experts worry that families traveling during a school break this week will help the virus spread. Here's NPR's Gabrielle Emanuel. GABRIELLE EMANUEL, BYLINE: Mohammad Kamal Hossain, a rickshaw driver in Southern Bangladesh, isn't traveling. He's beside the hospital bed of his 9-month-old daughter. MOHAMMAD KAMAL HOSSAIN: (Speaking Bangla). EMANUEL: He says she spiked a fever that hasn't improved for 20 days. It turned out to be measles, and she soon developed a common complication - pneumonia. The family rushed the youngster to the capital to get medical care, and now they're in debt. The stage was set for this outbreak in 2024 when the interim government decided to overhaul the country's successful vaccine program. Bureaucratic issues meant soon measles vaccines became unavailable. Speaking at a press conference, Rana Flowers with the United Nations Children's Fund says she warned the government. (SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING) RANA FLOWERS: I sat with the interim adviser and the staff on at least 10 occasions, saying, we are worried. Look at my face. I am worried. EMANUEL: And in March, measles cases exploded across the country. Now the U.N. and others say many hospitals are overwhelmed, with patients getting care on the floor and others being turned away for lack of beds, staff and medications. But in February, Bangladesh elected a new government, and they've earned widespread praise for their response. Hasina Rahman is with the International Rescue Committee. HASINA RAHMAN: There's been a massive immunization campaign. And, over the past four weeks, 18 million children have been immunized. EMANUEL: Still, experts say it will take another month or so before this campaign might bring down the number of sick and dying kids. Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR News.