DHAKA, April 5: Measles infections are rising rapidly across Bangladesh, placing growing pressure on paediatric wards in hospitals, media reports said on Sunday.
Healthcare facilities are experiencing a concerning surge in children exhibiting symptoms such as fever, respiratory distress, and widespread rashes, the Dhaka Tribune reported.
In many hospitals, isolation units have been opened to manage the increasing patient load and curb further transmission.
To combat the outbreak, an emergency Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign commenced on Sunday, targeting 30 upazilas and municipalities within 18 high-risk districts.
The campaign aims to cover all children aged 6 months to under 5 years, regardless of their previous vaccination status, the report said.
According to the latest data from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), a total of 6,476 suspected measles cases were recorded nationwide between March 15 and April 4 (8am). Of these, 4,628 patients were admitted to hospitals, while 2,654 were discharged after treatment.
During the same period, a total of 114 deaths were reported. Of these, 98 were among suspected measles cases, while 16 were confirmed as measles-related, the reports said.
In the past 24 hours, 787 new suspected cases reported, along with 60 confirmed cases and six deaths.
According to reports, the highest number of cases was recorded in Dhaka division with 2,769 cases, followed by Rajshahi (1,308), Chattogram (769), Khulna (631), Barishal (405), Sylhet (300), Rangpur (167), and Mymensingh (127).
In the past 24 hours, new cases were reported as follows: Dhaka (315), Rajshahi (208), Chattogram (114), Khulna (77), Barishal (34), Rangpur (17), Sylhet (19), and Mymensingh (4).
According to a World Health Organisation (WHO) report dated March 28, measles has spread across 56 districts in Bangladesh.
Among these, Cox’s Bazar, Barguna, Chapainawabganj, Pabna and Natore have been identified as high-risk districts.
Additionally, the Dhaka North City Corporation, Mymensingh City Corporation, and Barishal City Corporation have been identified as hotspots for the outbreak.
Currently, Cox’s Bazar has the highest patient burden relative to its population.
In a brief press statement at the Secretariat, the Health and Family Welfare Minister said the vaccination drive was launched based on recommendations from the National Immunisation Technical Advisory Group (NITAG) to swiftly contain the outbreak and safeguard children.
He also assured that the vaccine is safe and appealed to the public not to be influenced by rumours.
The campaign will initially begin in 30 high-risk areas and will be gradually expanded nationwide, with the government aiming to complete the rollout by May 21, it added.
(UNI)
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