Measles death toll hits 1,009

Seven more children died with measles-like symptoms across Bangladesh in the 24 hours to 8am today, taking the combined number of laboratory-confirmed and suspected measles-related deaths to 1,009, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

The latest deaths have pushed the number of suspected measles fatalities to 909, while laboratory-confirmed deaths have reached 100.

The DGHS also recorded 1,165 new suspected measles cases in the latest 24-hour period, bringing the cumulative number of suspected cases nationwide to 1,68,745.

Another 29 laboratory-confirmed cases were reported during the period, taking the total number of confirmed infections to 19,933.

Since March 15, a total of 1,48,505 patients with suspected measles have been hospitalised across the country. Of them, 1,42,888 have recovered, according to DGHS data.

Amid the continued outbreak, the government is set to launch another measles vaccination campaign from September 25, Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain said today.

Speaking to reporters after a seminar marking World Suicide Prevention Day at University Women’s Federation in Dhanmondi, Dhaka, the minister said most of the vaccines had already arrived in Bangladesh through UNICEF, while the remaining doses are expected to arrive by September 17.

He said the government had earlier conducted a mop-up vaccination campaign after measles infections continued despite the completion of a vaccination campaign.

“As part of the mop-up campaign, 1.4 million children were vaccinated against measles,” the minister said.

According to the minister, the government collected vaccines for 18.5 million children within 21 days and completed the vaccination campaign.

He alleged that the previous government had left no vaccine stock in the country.

Hospitals under pressure
The health minister also said measures had been taken to strengthen healthcare services at peripheral hospitals to reduce pressure on hospitals in Dhaka.

Isolation beds have been kept ready at hospitals, while mobile hospitals have also been arranged, he said.

The government is seeking to ensure necessary treatment at the upazila level and reduce pressure on tertiary hospitals by coordinating with upazila-level physicians through the Society of Medicine and providing them with necessary guidance, the minister added.

“We have been elected by the people’s votes and have a responsibility towards them.

That is why we are making every effort to protect the health of the people,” Sakhawat Hossain said.