Bangladesh Faces Escalating Measles Outbreak Among Children
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Bangladesh is witnessing a severe measles outbreak, with 12 more child deaths reported in 24 hours. Rising infections, testing kit shortages, and declining immunisation coverage have raised concerns over the country’s public health preparedness.
Rapid Spred Of Measles Across Bangladesh:
- Bangladesh’s measles crisis has intensified, with 12 children dying within a single day due to measles or measles-like symptoms.
- According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS):
- One child tested positive for measles
- Eleven others showed related symptoms
- Deaths were reported from several divisions, including:
- Dhaka
- Barishal
- Khulna
- Mymensingh
- Rajshahi
- Sylhet
- More than 1,238 new cases of measles-like symptoms were recorded in 24 hours, indicating rapid community transmission.
- Since March 15, Bangladesh has reported:
- 57 laboratory-confirmed measles deaths
- 279 deaths linked to measles-like symptoms
Public Health Challenges And Vaccine Concerns
- Over 45,000 children have developed measles-related symptoms during the outbreak.
- More than 31,000 children required hospitalisation, putting pressure on the healthcare system.
- The crisis has worsened due to a severe shortage of measles testing kits, delaying diagnosis and treatment.
- Laboratories are struggling with thousands of pending samples because testing capacity remains limited.
- UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) had earlier warned about:
- Falling immunisation coverage
- Vaccine supply disruptions
- Growing immunity gaps among children
- Changes in vaccine procurement procedures during Bangladesh’s interim administration reportedly delayed vaccine supplies and weakened routine immunisation efforts.
| About Measles And Immunisation : ● Measles is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the Measles virus (Morbillivirus). ● It spreads through: ○ Respiratory droplets ○ Airborne transmission ○ Direct contact with infected individuals● Common symptoms include:○ Fever ○ Skin rash ○ Cough ○ Runny nose ○ Red eyes ● Complications may include: ○ Pneumonia ○ Encephalitis ○ Severe dehydration ○ Death in children ● Prevention: ○ MMR Vaccine (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) is the most effective preventive measure. ○ WHO recommends 95% immunisation coverage to achieve herd immunity. ● In India, measles vaccination is covered under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP). |