Four more die, 787 new suspected with measles symptoms in 24 hrs

Four more people have died with measles symptoms in the last 24 hours, according to a health services division notification on Saturday afternoon, April 4. Another 787 people showed symptoms of the airborne disease during this period.

According to the Directorate General of Health Services, the number of suspected measles patients in the last 24 hours is 787.

The total number of suspected measles patients from March 15 to Saturday now stands at 6,476. Meanwhile, 60 confirmed measles patients were recorded in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed measles patients since March 15 to 826.

Four suspected measles patients have died in the last 24 hours. The total number of suspected measles deaths from March 15 to Saturday now stands at 98, of which 16 have been confirmed as measles cases.

A total of 4,628 new suspected measles patients have been admitted since March 15, while 2,654 have been discharged after recovery.

Vaccination drive to begin Sunday
The government is set to begin an emergency measles-rubella vaccination campaign from Sunday (April 5), according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The programme will kick off simultaneously at 9:00am nationwide, the ministry confirmed at a press briefing on Saturday (April 4).

Under the campaign, all children under five years of age will receive the vaccine, regardless of their previous vaccination status. However, children with fever or illness are advised to receive the vaccine after recovery. Authorities aim to complete the drive by May 21.

The 30 upazilas where vaccination will begin on Sunday are: Godagari in Rajshahi; Nawabganj in Dhaka; Louhajong, Sadar and Srinagar in Munshiganj; Nalchhiti in Jhalakathi; Trishal, Sadar and Fulpur in Mymensingh; Haimchar and Sadar in Chandpur; Mehendiganj and Bakerganj in Barishal; Ishwardi, Sadar, Atgharia and Bera in Pabna; Porsha in Naogaon; Gazipur Sadar; Atpara in Netrokona; Jajira in Shariatpur; Barguna Sadar; Madaripur Sadar; Maheshkhali and Ramu in Cox's Bazar; Chapainawabganj Sadar, Shibganj and Bholahat; Natore Sadar; and Sadar in Jashore.

Vaccination drives will also be implemented in low-risk areas in phases.