Measles outbreak spreads to 61 districts

= Nationwide vaccination drive from April 20
= Five more child deaths reported while over
1,100 children hospitalised in 24 hours
= Measles situation to be under control soon,
says Health Minister

Bangladesh is facing a widespread measles outbreak that has now spread across 61 districts, with health authorities set to launch a nationwide vaccination campaign on April 20 to curb the surge.
Officials from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said the outbreak may continue for another one to one-and-a-half months. However, infection rates typically begin to decline within two to three weeks after a mass vaccination campaign begins.

According to DGHS data, 83 percent of children affected by measles are under the age of five, indicating that young children are the most vulnerable group.

Public health experts believe that vaccination, isolation of infected children, and increased public awareness will help reduce transmission in the coming weeks. Rising Cases and Deaths
In the 24 hours between 8:00am on April 16 and 8:00am on April 17, five more children died with measles or its symptoms. Of them, three deaths were confirmed as measles-related, while two children died with symptoms consistent with the disease.

During the same period, 1,115 children were hospitalised with measles-like symptoms across the country, and 127 cases were confirmed.

Among the confirmed deaths, two children were from Barguna district in Barishal division, while one was reported in Dhaka division. The two children who died with symptoms were also from Dhaka division.

Dhaka division recorded the highest number of infections, with 120 confirmed cases in the past 24 hours. Rajshahi division reported five cases, while Barishal and Khulna divisions each recorded one.

Health authorities said that of the 1,115 children showing symptoms nationwide, 515 were in Dhaka division. A total of 769 children were admitted to hospitals, including 357 in Dhaka, while the lowest number—four admissions—was recorded in Rangpur division. Meanwhile, 747 children were discharged after receiving treatment.

Cumulative Situation since March
Since March 15, a total of 37 children have died from confirmed measles, while 174 deaths have been reported among children with measles-like symptoms. During the same period, 21,467 children have shown symptoms, with 13,898 requiring hospitalisation. Among them, 3,192 cases were confirmed as measles. A total of 11,243 patients have recovered and been discharged.

Vaccination Campaign and Government Response
Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain expressed optimism that the situation will soon come under control.

“The outbreak has already started to decline somewhat. Once the nationwide vaccination campaign begins on April 20, the situation will improve further,” he said at a press briefing.

The minister said there is sufficient stock of vaccines in both rural areas and national reserves to continue the campaign through June.

However, he noted that there may be a slight shortage of 0.05 ml syringes next month. Steps have already been taken to address the issue, with partial shipments expected within seven days through UNICEF and the remainder by May.

He also acknowledged pressure on hospitals in Dhaka due to the influx of measles patients from across the country. Authorities have expanded treatment facilities nationwide and are working to address manpower shortages.

The vaccination programme is being implemented with support from UNICEF, Gavi, and the World Health Organization (WHO).