An outbreak of measles in Bangladesh has resulted in the confirmation of 15 deaths, according to officials on Wednesday. The government is preparing to implement an urgent vaccination campaign to contain the disease.
Kamruzzaman Chowdhury, the Health Services Division Secretary, announced that the deaths were verified through laboratory tests on 33 samples, with assistance from the World Health Organization. “Out of the samples tested, 15 deaths have been directly attributed to measles infection,” he stated.
Measles, being highly contagious, necessitates a 95% vaccination coverage to prevent its transmission.
The disease has been surfacing globally due to declining vaccination rates, prompting many parents to rush for their children’s immunization. In certain areas, pediatric hospitals are facing overwhelming numbers of cases.
URGENT VACCINATION CAMPAIGN STARTING SUNDAY
In Bangladesh, a nationwide emergency vaccination campaign is set to commence from Sunday, focusing initially on high-risk zones.
The outbreak has been most severe in the northwestern Rajshahi region, where health authorities have intensified surveillance and case monitoring.
The Directorate General of Health Services highlighted the heightened risk faced by unvaccinated children or those incomplete in their two-dose measles vaccination schedule, especially malnourished children prone to severe complications like pneumonia and encephalitis.
Parents have been advised to ensure their children receive routine vaccinations on time and to promptly seek medical attention if symptoms such as fever, cough, red eyes, or a rash manifest.