Rajshahi division has emerged as the second worst-hit region after Dhaka in the ongoing measles outbreak, while the government begins today an emergency measles vaccination drive in 30 hotspot upazilas across Bangladesh.

The highly contagious viral disease has spread throughout the country, prompting authorities to launch the immunisation campaign in 30 upazilas under 16 districts identified as high-risk areas.

Meanwhile, at least 98 children with suspected measles have died around the country since March 15, including four deaths reported in the 24 hours until 8:00am on Saturday, according to the Directorate General of Health Services.

The DGHS reported 787 new suspected measles cases in the past 24 hours, raising the total number of suspected infections to 6,476, while 826 cases have been confirmed in laboratory since March 15, including 60 detected in the latest 24-hour reporting period.

The health authorities have so far confirmed 16 measles deaths during the same period.

Of the four suspected deaths reported in the past 24 hours, three were from Dhaka division and one from Chattogram division.

Rajshahi division recorded the second highest number of suspected infections, with 1,308 cases and 50 suspected deaths, while 189 cases and three deaths were confirmed in laboratory.

Dhaka division remained the worst-affected, reporting suspected 2,769 cases and 38 deaths, while 398 cases and four deaths were confirmed.

Chattogram division ranked third with 769 suspected infections, seven suspected deaths and three confirmed deaths.

However, patients confirmed with measles were found in all eight divisions while confirmed measles deaths were reported from five divisions. No death was reported from Sylhet, Rangpur, and Khulna.

Across the country, 1,974 patients with measles symptoms were undergoing treatment at different hospitals.

Speaking at a press briefing at the secretariat, health minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain said that all children aged between six and 59 months would be vaccinated against measles  regardless of their previous vaccination status.

The vaccination centres will remain open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm, he said.

The children suffering from fever or illnesses will not be vaccinated immediately and will receive the vaccine after recovery, while infected children will be given Vitamin A capsules to reduce complications.

The vaccination drive will be implemented in phases, beginning in 30 hotspot upazilas and gradually expanding to the whole country based on the disease situation and field-level preparedness, he added.

New Age correspondents from Rajshahi and Kushtia reported six additional suspected measles deaths in the past 24 hours that were not included in the DGHS data and may be reflected in the next update.

In Kushtia, the deceased were eight-month-old Ibrahim from Daulatpur upazila, Afran from Bhadalia village and five-month-old Aiza from Kushtia town.

Kushtia Medical College Hospital deputy director Dr AHM Anwarul Islam said that measles-like cases were rising rapidly in the district, with more than 300 children admitted to different hospitals, of whom at least 75 had recovered.

Rajshahi Medical College Hospital spokesperson Dr Shankar K Biswas said that three children aged between five and seven months died while undergoing treatment at the hospital.

During the same period, 25 new patients were admitted to health facilities and three discharged after recovery, while 149 patients, including four adults, were undergoing treatment at the hospital, he said.

Virologist and former vice-chancellor of Bangladesh Medical University Professor Nazrul Islam warned that the disruption in routine immunisation posed a serious public health threat.

‘The halt in vaccination increases measles risk and threatens the entire immunisation system, which could lead to outbreaks of other vaccine-preventable diseases,’ he said.

The 30 upazilas selected for the special vaccination include Barguna Sadar; Mehendiganj and Bakerganj in Barishal; Haimchar and Sadar in Chandpur; Maheshkhali and Ramu in Cox’s Bazar; Nawabganj in Dhaka; Gazipur Sadar; Jashore Sadar; Nalchity in Jhalokathi; Madaripur Sadar; Louhajang, Sadar, and Srinagar in Munshiganj; Trishal, Sadar, and Phulpur in Mymensingh; Natore Sadar; Atpara in Netrokona; Porsha in Naogaon; Shibganj, Sadar and Bholahat in Chapainawabganj; Ishwardi, Sadar, Atgharia and Bera in Pabna; Godagari in Rajshahi; and Jazira in Shariatpur.

The government aims to complete the nationwide measles vaccination campaign by May 21 ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.