One Health Secretariat
Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR)
Mohakhali, Dhaka -1212
Bangladesh
Measles resurgence threatens elimination goals
Bangladesh is witnessing a concerning resurgence of measles, now reported across 56 districts.. Official data show that in 2026 alone, more than 2,300 children have been hospitalized with suspected measles, with 684 cases laboratory-confirmed so far. This is a steep rise from 2025, when only 68 cases over the same period and 125 for the entire year were recorded. The current wave of infections started in early January in a Rohingya camp in Cox’s Bazar and intensified through March. Health experts attribute this surge primarily to an “immunity gap” in routine childhood immunization over recent years. Alarmingly, most affected children are very young, 69% are under two years of age, and over one-third are younger than nine months. There are also concerns that the true burden may be higher due to underreporting and delays in diagnosis..
(Source: BMJ and Prothom Alo)
Anthrax outbreak highlights zoonotic risk
An anthrax outbreak in Gurudaspur Upazila of Natore has underscored ongoing zoonotic disease risks. At least twelve individuals fell ill after handling meat from a diseased cow, with three requiring hospitalizations. Laboratory confirmation followed a joint investigation by Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control And Research (IEDCR) and Department of Livestock Services (DLS). The case was traced to a cow that became ill after grazing in a low-lying area. Following its slaughter and distribution of meat, multiple human infections emerged. In response, authorities have intensified cattle vaccination and community awareness efforts. Bangladesh formally reported the outbreak to the World Organization for Animal Health on March 25, 2026.
Bangladesh endorses One Health Strategy
The Government of Bangladesh has formally endorsed the third edition of the National One Health Strategic Framework on March 01, 2026. Building on earlier versions (2012, 2017), the updated strategy reinforces a multisectoral approach to address human, animal, and environmental health challenges. The framework prioritizes strengthened coordination, improved surveillance and early warning systems, and evidence-based decision-making to tackle zoonoses, antimicrobial resistance, and broader pandemic risks, while supporting sustainable development goals. This endorsement marks a critical step forward in institutionalizing the One Health approach in Bangladesh, signaling strong national commitment to integrated preparedness and response. Effective implementation will now depend on sustained coordination across sectors, adequate resourcing, and translation of strategy into operational action at both national and subnational levels.
Dengue Cases Slightly Rises in March
Dengue transmission remained active across all divisions in March 2026, with 353 new cases reported, a 23.7% increase from February totals. Cumulative cases reached 1,843, though encouragingly, no additional deaths were recorded in March,keeping the death toll at four. . Men continued to account for the majority of reported cases (62.5%), while females represented 37.5%. Dhaka Division continued to carry the highest burden, while Barishal and Chattogram showed the most notable proportional increases. Overall, the situation reflects sustained but manageable transmission.
(Source: IEDCR website)
Seasonal Influenza Slightly Increases in March
Recent surveillance indicates a slight increase in seasonal influenza activity. Between February 23 and March 08, 2026, integrated respiratory surveillance tested a total of 829 samples. Of these, 80 samples (9.7%) were positive for influenza, while no SARS-CoV-2 detections were reported. Current findings suggest continued circulation of seasonal influenza viruses at relatively low levels, with a slight increase in influenza positivity observed in early March compared to late February.
(Source: WHO WCO-BAN Epi-Update)
Bangladesh marks World TB Day with renewed momentum
On March 24, Bangladesh joined the global community in observing World TB Day under the theme “Yes! We Can End TB: Led by Countries, Powered by People. The National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTP) led nationwide activities, including rallies and discussions emphasizing sustained investment, public–private partnerships, and community engagement as critical to achieving TB elimination targets.
Rest of South Asia
Avian influenza outbreaks reported across South Asia
Recent avian influenza outbreaks in South Asia have led to large-scale poultry culling and heightened surveillance measures in both Nepal and India.
In Nepal, thousands of layers, broilers, indigenous chickens, and ducks have been culled across Jhapa, Morang, and Sunsari districts following confirmation of avian influenza viruses A(H5N1) and A(H9N2). Although unusual bird deaths were reported weeks earlier, confirmation was delayed, partly due to competing demands during the parliamentary elections.
In India, multiple states, including Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Sikkim, and Bihar, have reported outbreaks, in March 2026, affecting thousands of poultry. In response, authorities have implemented culling operations, movement restrictions, and sanitation measures, alongside establishing control rooms to monitor the situation.
(Sources:The Kathmandu Post, Navbharat times, Hindustan Times, The tribune , Hindustan Times and UNI )
Around the World
One in five TB cases are missed in Europe
Though TB incidence has fallen by nearly 40% over the past decade, over 20% of new TB cases in the WHO European Region remain undetected. are going undetected. While many of these missed cases are eventually diagnosed, WHO and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) officials note that people who are diagnosed late have a higher chance of transmitting the disease and are harder to treat, contributing to increasing the risk of drug-resistant TB.
Rays of hope for lyme disease prevention
Lyme disease is an illness caused by bacteria most commonly spread to humans from ticks. It can cause arthritis, muscle weakness and pain. A new vaccine candidate for Lyme disease, developed by Pfizer, has shown promising results, with over 70% protection in clinical studies. The vaccine is now awaiting regulatory approval, offering renewed hope for improved prevention in the future..
Top brands are sending $2.6 billion to misinformation websites each year
The journalism industry is struggling worldwide with cutting staff, shutting their doors, or fighting to stay afloat. But a new analysis from NewsGuard and Comscore has found that the misinformation industry is booming with $2.6 billion in estimated advertising revenue being sent to publishers of misinformation and disinformation each year by programmatic advertisers, including hundreds of millions in revenue supporting false health claims, anti-vaccine myths, and other forms of false news.
