health
Why a deadly, massive measles outbreak in Bangladesh has some U.S. health experts concerned
Updated on: May 20, 2026 / 11:31 AM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- A measles outbreak in Bangladesh has caused nearly 400 deaths and over 56,000 suspected cases, with hospitals struggling to cope.
- The outbreak is concerning for the U.S. as vaccination rates for measles continue to fall, leading to a surge in cases not seen in decades.
- Measles is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling, disability, and death.
- The U.S. is at risk because measles can easily spread across borders, especially with declining vaccination coverage below the critical 95% threshold.
- In the U.S., measles cases have reached alarming levels, with over 1,800 confirmed cases reported so far this year, and the country's measles elimination status is at risk.
- An emergency vaccination campaign targeting 18 million children is underway in Bangladesh, supported by UNICEF and the WHO.