Measles infections are rising rapidly across the country, placing growing pressure on pediatric wards in hospitals. Healthcare facilities are witnessing an alarming influx of children presenting with fever, respiratory distress and widespread rash. In many hospitals, isolation units have been opened to manage the increasing patient load and curb further transmission.
To control the outbreak, an emergency Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign begins Sunday at 9am across 30 upazilas and municipalities in 18 high-risk districts. The campaign will target all children aged 6 months to under 5 years, regardless of their previous vaccination status.
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.
Over the same period, a total of 114 deaths have been reported. Of these, 98 deaths were among suspected measles cases, while 16 deaths were confirmed as measles-related.
In the past 24 hours alone, 787 new suspected cases were reported, along with 60 confirmed cases and six deaths.
Division-wise situation
During the same period, 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).
High-risk districts and hotspots
According to a World Health Organization (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. In addition, Dhaka North City Corporation, Mymensingh City Corporation and Barishal City Corporation have been identified as hotspots. Cox’s Bazar currently has the highest patient burden relative to its population.
Emergency MR vaccination campaign begins Sunday
In a brief press statement at the Secretariat, the health and family welfare minister said the vaccination initiative had been taken following recommendations from the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG) to quickly contain the outbreak and protect children. He added that the vaccine is safe and urged the public not to be misled 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.
Areas under vaccination coverage
The 30 upazilas and municipalities across 18 districts include Barguna Sadar and Barguna Municipality; Pabna Sadar, Pabna Municipality, Ishwardi, Atgharia and Bera; Chandpur Sadar and Chandpur Municipality, Haimchar; Maheshkhali and Ramu in Cox’s Bazar; Gazipur Sadar; Chapainawabganj Sadar, Chapainawabganj Municipality, Shibganj and Bholahat; Atpara in Netrokona; Mymensingh Sadar, Trishal and Tarakanda; Godagari in Rajshahi; Mehendiganj and Bakerganj in Barishal; Porsha in Naogaon; Jashore Sadar and Jashore Municipality; Natore Sadar and Natore Municipality; Munshiganj Sadar, Louhajang and Shrinagar; Nalchity in Jhalkathi; Jazira in Shariatpur; and Nawabganj in Dhaka district.
Parents have been urged to bring all children under five years of age to vaccination centres. However, children with fever or illness will not be vaccinated and will instead be immunized after full recovery. Vitamin A capsules will also be provided to measles patients and suspected cases to reduce complications.
In addition, Dhaka North City Corporation will conduct vaccination activities at 10 fixed centres across five high-risk wards from tomorrow until April 16, daily from 9am to 2pm. Children aged 6 months to 10 years will also be included in this campaign.