Natore reports no deaths amid measles-rubella campaign

Natore Sadar Upazila has been witnessing growing confidence in its ongoing measles-rubella immunisation campaign, as health authorities report no deaths or serious complications in the district so far. With 20,273 children vaccinated and only 28 confirmed measles cases among 217 suspected infections the district brought relief among residents.

Civil Surgeon of Natore Dr Muhammad Mashiur Rahman said 100 percent of the targeted children in Natore Sadar Upazila have been brought under the special measles-rubella vaccination programme. He said the initiative has strengthened children’s immunity while also raising public awareness, adding that “a sense of relief has returned among the people.”

Child specialist at the 250-bed Natore General Hospital, Dr Sumana Sarkar, said children suffering from measles, cold-related complications and diarrhoea are admitted to the hospital when necessary. She added that many children do not require hospitalization and are instead given vitamin A capsules and necessary medical advice. “Of the 26 children admitted on Saturday, four were discharged after recovery.

Currently, 22 children are admitted and all of them are stable,” she said.
Dr Sarkar further said that since April 5, no child has required referral to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital or any other specialized facility.

Natore Sadar Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Kamal Uddin Bhuiyan said that measles testing cannot be conducted within 14 days after vaccination. “As the vaccination campaign is ongoing, measles testing activities in Dhaka will resume after June 30,” he said.

A special measles-rubella vaccination campaign was launched on April 5 in 30 upazilas of 18 districts, including Natore Sadar Upazila, in response to measles outbreaks reported in different parts of the country. Under the programme, 20,273 children aged between six months and 59 months were vaccinated in Natore municipality and seven unions of the Sadar upazila.

Later, from April 20, the campaign was expanded to the remaining six upazilas of the district and is scheduled to continue until May 20.

At present, 22 patients with measles symptoms are undergoing treatment at the 250-bed Natore General Hospital. All admitted patients are reported to be in stable condition and out of danger.