Dhaka: Bangladesh is grappling with a severe measles outbreak that has claimed the lives of at least 94 children within just 19 days, prompting authorities to roll out an urgent nationwide immunisation campaign.
According to the Directorate General of Health Services, the disease has rapidly spread across 56 of the country’s 64 districts. Officials reported that 10 fatalities were recorded in the 24 hours leading up to Sunday morning, underscoring the pace at which the outbreak is escalating.
Health data also shows a sharp surge in infections, with 5,792 suspected cases documented during the same period. Of these, nearly 1,000 cases were reported in a single day, indicating widespread transmission.
The government, led by Tariq Rahman, has attributed the crisis to lapses in vaccine availability under the previous interim administration headed by Muhammad Yunus.
Health Minister Sardar Shakhawat Hossain Bakul announced that emergency vaccination efforts will begin in the worst-hit regions before being expanded nationwide in an attempt to contain the outbreak.
Authorities have urged parents to ensure their children receive timely immunisation, as public health teams work to curb the spread of the highly contagious disease and prevent further loss of life.
