Due to higher transmission rates in 18 districts, health authorities have launched emergency vaccination campaigns in 30 upazilas.

TDS Desk:

Dhaka division has recorded the highest number of measles infections and deaths as the outbreak of the highly contagious disease continues to worsen across the country.

In the 24-hour period from 8:00 am Monday to 8:00 am Tuesday, 11 additional deaths were reported. During the same period, 224 new cases were confirmed through laboratory tests, while 1,236 individuals sought hospital treatment with measles symptoms, according to a press release issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) on Tuesday.

The infection has now spread to 56 districts nationwide. Due to higher transmission rates in 18 districts, health authorities have launched emergency vaccination campaigns in 30 upazilas.

Speaking at a World Health Day discussion at the Shaheed Abu Sayeed International Convention Center of Bangladesh Medical University, Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain announced that a special vaccination campaign will begin on April 12 in Dhaka North and South City Corporations, as well as in Mymensingh and Barishal city corporations. The programme is expected to expand nationwide from May 3.

Addressing immunisation gaps, the minister noted that lapses in vaccination coverage over the past five and a half years have contributed to the current outbreak. He added that the April 5 campaign achieved 96% coverage on its first day, vaccinating 73,000 children against a target of 76,000. Vaccines are being supplied through UNICEF and Gavi.

On hospital preparedness, particularly at DNCC Hospital in Mohakhali, the minister said additional doctors, nurses, and technicians will be deployed. Isolation beds are being expanded nationwide, and ICU facilities and ventilator support are being strengthened in major hospitals.

According to DGHS data, from March 15 to 8:00 am Tuesday, 9,883 people with measles symptoms sought treatment, of whom 1,398 cases were confirmed. So far, 5,940 patients have been hospitalised and 6,016 have recovered and been discharged. During this period, 21 deaths were confirmed from measles, while 128 deaths were reported among symptomatic cases.

In the last 24 hours, Dhaka division reported the highest number of suspected cases at 499, followed by Rajshahi with 225. Dhaka also recorded the highest confirmed cases at 186. Among 10 deaths reported with symptoms in the past day, eight were from Dhaka division, including six from Dhaka district. One confirmed measles death was also recorded in Dhaka.

Since March 15, Rajshahi division has recorded the highest number of symptom-related deaths at 58, followed by Dhaka with 51.

To contain the outbreak, the government has identified 30 upazilas as hotspots and continues targeted vaccination efforts.

Dr Md Shaidur Rahman, a resident doctor at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and consultant in the paediatric department, advised that while fever alone is not alarming, the appearance of a rash requires immediate consultation with a specialist. He warned that complications such as pneumonia, diarrhoea, reduced urination, and kidney-related issues may develop. He recommended maintaining adequate fluid intake, continuing breastfeeding, and seeking timely hospital care in case of complications. Dr Rahman also stressed the importance of avoiding crowded places, wearing masks, practicing hand hygiene, and completing the full vaccination schedule.