Measles Outbreaks Surge Worldwide: Why India Must Worry About Vaccine Gaps
Measles outbreaks are intensifying across the US, Bangladesh and other regions, highlighting missed vaccinations, healthcare access gaps and vaccine hesitancy. India, too, faces pockets of low immunisation that could fuel outbreaks.
Measles is making a worrying comeback across several parts of the world, with outbreaks in the US, Bangladesh and other regions exposing gaps in routine childhood vaccination. Health experts warn that India also needs to remain alert as pockets of under-immunisation continue to exist.
The US has reported nearly 3,900 confirmed measles cases in 2026, its worst outbreak in decades. Pennsylvania alone has recorded more than 1,000 cases, while New York has declared a statewide disaster emergency following a rise in infections in under-immunised communities.
Bangladesh is facing an even more severe situation, with reports indicating more than 1.75 lakh hospitalisations and over 1,100 suspected or confirmed measles-related deaths this year. Young children account for a large share of those affected.
The World Health Organization estimates that around 11 million people contracted measles globally in 2024. Only 84% of children received their first measles vaccine dose and 76% received the second. Health authorities say about 95% two-dose coverage is required in communities to prevent sustained transmission.
India has improved childhood immunisation, but significant gaps remain. Recent survey data show second-dose measles-containing vaccine coverage at 71.8%, while full immunisation among children aged 12–23 months has reached 87.1%.
Experts say national averages can conceal vulnerable pockets, particularly among disadvantaged and hard-to-reach communities. Missed vaccinations, pandemic-related disruptions, limited healthcare access and vaccine hesitancy can combine to create conditions for outbreaks.
Strengthening surveillance, identifying children who have missed vaccinations and closing the second-dose gap remain crucial to preventing measles from gaining a stronger foothold in India.
