United News of Bangladesh

Ten more patients died with measles and symptoms of the disease in 24 hours till 8 am on Sunday morning, taking the total death toll to 151, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Among the deceased, four were confirmed measles patients, it said. During this period, 1,268 suspected measles cases were reported during the period. Besides, 762 patients were admitted to different hospitals. So far, a total of 10,225 suspected patients have been hospitalised. Among them, 7,656 patients have recovered and discharged from the hospitals, DGHS said. In 24-hour period, Dhaka division recorded the highest number of suspected measles deaths with five. Besides, Dhaka district also accounted for the highest district-level death toll during the period, with five deaths. The DGHS said the total number of confirmed measles deaths between March 15 and April 12 stood at 28. The month-long Emergency Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign 2026 was launched in Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) areas on Sunday, amid growing concerns over the spread of preventable infectious diseases. Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain inaugurated the campaign at a function at the Nagar Bhaban auditorium in the morning. Under the campaign, a total of 402,456 children in DSCC areas have been targeted for vaccination. To achieve the target, 540 vaccination centres have been set up across the city, including 90 permanent and 450 temporary ones. Children aged 6 to 59 months will receive vaccines daily from 9:00am to 4:00pm. The month-long campaign will continue until May 11.        

Health and Family Welfare Minister Md Sardar Sakhawat Husain on Monday told Parliament that the recent surge in measles cases in Bangladesh stems from vaccination gaps and mismanagement by previous governments, including the immediate past interim administration. Responding to a notice raised by National Citizen Party (NCP) MP Akhter Hossen, he said the country’s last special measles-rubella vaccination campaign was conducted in December 2020 and has not been repeated in over five and a half years, although such campaigns are scheduled every four years. “As a result, many children, including newborns, have remained outside the vaccination coverage and are now infected by measles,” the minister said. He also clarified an earlier statement made to journalists on March 29, where he had said measles vaccination had not been conducted for the past eight years, which drew concern among field-level health workers. In his notice, Akhter Hossen said suspected measles-related deaths have exceeded 115 in the past three weeks, with 20 confirmed ones. He also alleged that thousands of children have been infected by the disease and highlighted serious gaps in healthcare facilities, including a lack of isolation wards, ICUs, and NICUs at district and upazila level hospitals, particularly in the Rajshahi region. The NCP lawmaker further noted that although measles vaccination in Bangladesh typically begins at nine months of age, children as young as six months are now being infected, sparking concerns over surveillance and diagnosis. In response, the minister said emergency vaccination drives have already begun in 30 high-risk upazilas across 18 districts from April 5 under the directive of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The campaign targets children aged 6 to 59 months, with a goal of vaccinating 1.2 million children in the first phase. “On the first day, 73,000 children were vaccinated against a target of 76,000 in 30 upazilas, achieving a 96% coverage,” Sakhawat said. The programme will be expanded to Dhaka, Mymensingh and Barishal city corporations from April 12, and nationwide rollout is scheduled from May 3. Simultaneously, vitamin A capsules are also being administered. Addressing concerns about hospital readiness, the minister said isolation wards have been set up in government hospitals nationwide. In Rajshahi, an additional 250 isolation beds are being prepared, he said, adding that ICU and ventilation facilities are being strengthened, and a low-cost oxygen delivery system developed by icddr,b is being deployed. Sakhawat also said the government is procuring vaccines on an emergency basis and that the World Bank has assured support, including loans and grants, to help combat the outbreak. In a supplementary question, Akhter Hossen alleged persistent field-level mismanagement, saying despite budget allocations, patients are not receiving adequate isolation or ICU support. He also noted that around 25% of the health sector budget remains unspent, including Tk 11,000 crore in the 2024-25 fiscal year. In reply, the minister said Tk 604 crore in unspent funds from the COVID-19 period is being used to procure additional measles vaccines through UNICEF. He added that all leave for health workers has been cancelled to strengthen field-level supervision, and coordination with development partners, including the World Bank and UNICEF, has been intensified.

The government will launch an emergency measles-rubella (MR) vaccination campaign in 30 high-risk upazilas across the country from Sunday (April 5) to control the outbreak of measles, announced Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain.  “The campaign will be inaugurated simultaneously at various areas across the country at 9 am tomorrow. Ministers concerned will participate in the inauguration events in different districts,” he said at a press briefing at the ministry. There is an increased outbreak of measles in some areas of Bangladesh which is affecting young children the most and the government is addressing the situation with utmost priority, said the minister. The minister said the National Immunisation Technical Advisory Group (NITAG) in consultation with national and international experts recommended the urgent vaccination campaign to control transmission quickly and protect children at risk. “All children under five years of age will be included in this campaign, regardless of whether they have received the vaccine before. We want to ensure that no child remains unprotected,” he said. The vaccination program will be implemented in phases. It will begin in the 30 high-risk upazilas and later expand nationwide and the target is to complete the campaign by May 21, before the holy Eid-ul-Azha, said the Health Minister. The minister urged the parents to bring all children under five to the designated vaccination centers. “Children with fever or illness should receive the vaccine after recovery.” He added that children affected or suspected to be affected by measles will also receive vitamin ‘A’ capsules to reduce complications from the disease. “The preparations, including vaccine procurement, storage, cold chain management, and health worker training, have already been completed,” the minister said. The vaccines being used are safe and effective and there is no need for panic, he said. “If vaccinations are administered on time, we can bring the measles outbreak under control.”  

Measles cases are rising in parts of Bangladesh including Dhaka with hospitals reporting increased admissions and child deaths. At the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Mohakhali, Dhaka, once dedicated to Covid-19 patients, beds are now occupied by children admitted with measles symptoms. In March alone, more than 20 children have died from measles at the hospital, said Dr Sribas Pal. Dr Sribas Pal said children with measles symptoms are being admitted daily. Currently, over a hundred children are undergoing treatment there while more than 500 children have been admitted in March alone. Outside Dhaka, the situation is worsening in the Rajshahi division. In March, nearly 50 children died from measles in Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, and Pabna districts, said Divisional Health Director Habibur Rahman. At Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, around 50 new child patients with measles symptoms are being admitted every day, he said. Habibur Rahman said separate isolation centres are being set up in all hospitals across the division to manage the growing caseload. He said about 31 percent of tested children showing symptoms have been confirmed with measles. Hospital sources said 29 children died from measles at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital in March. Initially, limited isolation facilities were arranged but authorities are now scaling up preparations due to the increasing number of patients, said paediatric specialist Shahida Yasmin. The outbreak is also spreading in Khulna, Sylhet, and several other regions, heightening anxiety among parents. Many are questioning why the disease once nearly eradicated has resurfaced so aggressively. Three-year-old Junaira Rahman from Mugda in Dhaka developed high fever and cough in early February. Her father, Wasim Rahman, initially assumed it was a common illness. However, within days, red rashes spread across her body, accompanied by breathing difficulties. “We never imagined it could be measles. Even after giving fever medicine, her condition worsened. Doctors later confirmed measles, and they were also surprised at the sudden infection,” he said. While Junaira recovered after about a week and a half of treatment, many children have not been as fortunate. Complications such as pneumonia and diarrhoea have made treatment more challenging, leading to fatalities. Green Life Medical College Paediatrician Rawatun Nabi said measles is caused by a viral infection that weakens the immune system. “Since the virus affects the respiratory tract, it can lead to pneumonia. In many cases, children also develop diarrhoea. Vitamin A deficiency worsens the condition, making children increasingly lethargic.” Doctors said delayed hospital visits due to a lack of awareness among parents is a major concern. Many children are brought in only after developing severe complications like pneumonia, making recovery more difficult. They also warned that measles can cause vitamin A deficiency, leading to clouding of the cornea and vision problems. Even if a child survives, lack of proper treatment may result in long-term visual impairment. Although measles had remained largely under control for decades, it is now resurging nationwide. According to UNICEF Bangladesh, measles vaccination programmes were disrupted during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2019–2020. Although vaccination resumed in June 2020 and continued until January 2021, followed by routine immunisation through 2024, coverage gaps still remain. Health Ministry data show over 80 percent of children receive measles vaccines annually. Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain said no major nationwide measles vaccination campaign has been conducted in the past eight years, contributing to the current outbreak. Speaking to reporters on Monday, he said, “The government has allocated Tk 604 crore to procure vaccines. We expect to collect vaccines through UNICEF and distribute them to hospitals by April.” He added that emergency steps are underway, including expanding ICU facilities, supplying ventilators, and establishing specialised wards. “The government has taken all necessary measures. While there may be some supply gaps at the field level, there is no actual shortage of vaccines in the country. A nationwide campaign in June aims to bring 20 million children under vaccination coverage. Routine immunisation will also continue,” the minister said, urging parents to remain cautious but not panic. Health Secretary Quamruzzaman Chowdhury said the government has already paid UNICEF for vaccine procurement and is awaiting final approval. Once cleared, vaccines will be imported swiftly by April, he said. Typically, the first dose of the measles vaccine is administered at nine months of age, followed by a second dose at 15 months. During mass campaigns, children aged between nine months and 10 years are vaccinated. The health ministry is also considering lowering the minimum age for vaccination to curb the spread of the disease further.

A measles outbreak in Bangladesh is triggering public health concerns, with a rising number of infections among children and dozens of deaths reported in recent weeks. Measles cases are spreading in Dhaka, Rajshahi, Chattogram, Khulna, and other districts. The World Health Organization (WHO) describes measles as a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through coughing, sneezing or close contact with infected individuals. It can lead to severe complications and even death, particularly among children. Globally, an estimated 95,000 people—mostly children under five—died from measles in 2024 despite the availability of a safe and cost-effective vaccine. Health Minister tells parliament about looting in his sector during previous 'fascist' govt UNICEF also warns that children, especially those under five who are unvaccinated, face the highest risk due to their still-developing immune systems. Each year, around 136,000 people worldwide die from measles and its complications, most of them children. Why children are most at risk Concern is growing in different parts of the country as measles infections increase. Health officials said a rising number of children are being admitted daily with symptoms of the highly contagious disease. Sylhet Deputy Civil Surgeon Dr Janmejoy Dutta said on Sunday that some of the affected children are below nine months of age, including infants as young as five to six months, who are not yet eligible for vaccination. In some cases, children have been infected despite receiving the vaccine. He said the health department has launched a special investigation to determine the reasons behind such infections. Dr Dutta noted that there had been some disruption in measles vaccine supply last year, although there is currently no shortage of the measles-rubella (MR) vaccine. Signs and symptoms Doctors say measles is often mistaken for a common cold or flu in its early stages. Symptoms usually appear 10 to 14 days after exposure. Common symptoms include: ·  High fever ·  Runny nose ·  Persistent cough ·  Red, watery eyes ·  Small white spots inside the cheeks Within a few days, a red rash develops—typically starting on the face and upper neck before spreading across the body, including the hands and feet. The rash usually lasts five to six days. Health risks Measles is not a mild illness and can lead to life-threatening complications. Most deaths are linked to complications such as: ·  Pneumonia ·  Diarrhoea and dehydration ·  Blindness ·  Brain inflammation and damage In pregnant women, measles can result in premature birth or low birth weight. The virus can also weaken the immune system, leaving children more vulnerable to other infections. Treatment and care There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles. Treatment mainly focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications. Health experts recommend: ·  Timely vaccination with MMR or MR vaccines ·  Avoiding close contact with infected individuals ·  Seeking medical care promptly ·  Ensuring adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration ·  Maintaining a nutritious diet   Doctors may prescribe antibiotics if secondary infections such as pneumonia occur. All infected children and adults should receive two doses of vitamin A supplements, given 24 hours apart. This helps restore vitamin A levels, prevents eye complications, and reduces the risk of death. Prevention and awareness Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles. Children should receive two doses to ensure full protection—the first typically at nine months in high-risk countries like Bangladesh, and the second between 15 and 18 months. Public health experts stress that awareness is crucial, as measles spreads rapidly. A single infected child can transmit the virus to multiple others, especially within families and crowded communities.

Measles, a highly contagious viral infection, has been a persistent health concern worldwide. Understanding the symptoms and causes of measles is crucial for individuals and communities to combat its spread effectively. In the wake of a recent measles outbreak in Europe, understanding the symptoms and causes of this highly contagious viral infection is more crucial than ever.  What is Measles? How Does It Affect People? Measles is characterised by fever, cough, and a distinctive rash. The virus responsible for measles is a paramyxovirus (known as rubeola), and its high contagiousness often leads to outbreaks, especially in areas with low vaccination rates. This contagious viral disease easily spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes.  While capable of affecting anyone, it predominantly targets children. Measles initiates in the respiratory tract and then disseminates throughout the body. As a highly contagious disease, it underscores the importance of preventive measures, with vaccination being the most effective way to shield against severe illness, complications, and potential fatalities. Read more: Foods that Help Relieve Nausea and Vomiting What are the Symptoms of Measles?  The symptoms of measles typically manifest 10–14 days after exposure to the virus, with a prominent rash being the most evident sign. Early symptoms persist for 4–7 days and include - A high fever- Runny nose - Cough - Red and watery eyes - Tiredness- White spots inside the cheeks, known as Koplik's spots  The characteristic rash emerges approximately 7–18 days post-exposure, starting on the face and upper neck, and gradually spreading to the hands and feet over about 3 days. This rash persists for 5–6 days before fading. Other measles symptoms may include - A sore throat- White spots in your mouth- Muscle pain- Sensitivity to light. Read more: Which Vitamins are Essential for Women? What are the Causes of Measles? The measles virus, belonging to the Paramyxoviridae family, is renowned for its highly contagious nature. Spread primarily through respiratory droplets, it easily transmits from person to person. Measles is exceptionally contagious, with individuals at risk of contracting the virus even after an infected person has left the vicinity.  The virus can endure on surfaces and in the air for hours, posing a continual threat. Originating in the nose and throat, measles is transmitted when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, releasing infectious droplets into the air. These droplets, both airborne and on surfaces, remain contagious for several hours, facilitating the virus's easy transmission. Measles Health Risks The primary cause of death resulting from measles is often complications associated with the disease. These complications encompass various serious issues - Blindness- Encephalitis, an infection leading to brain swelling and potential brain damage- Severe diarrhea, accompanied by dehydration- Ear infections- Severe respiratory problems, including pneumonia.- In the case of a pregnant woman contracting measles, it poses a significant risk, endangering both the mother and potentially resulting in premature birth with a low birth weight for the baby. Read more: How to Protect Babies and Children from Dengue Fever Complications, often leading to fatalities, are more prevalent in children under 5 and adults over 30, especially those malnourished or with weakened immune systems, as measles itself can compromise the body's ability to defend against infections, rendering children exceptionally vulnerable.

Global measles deaths climbed by nearly 50 percent since 2016, claiming an estimated 207,500 lives in 2019 alone, said Unicef on Friday. 

Five children, suffering from measles, died while 100 more have been infected at three villages in Baghaichhari upazila, according to the district Health Department.

The Maldives Health Ministry on Tuesday said it had launched a national vaccination campaign against measles and rubella.

London, Aug 29 (AP/UNB)  — The World Health Organization says there has been a "dramatic resurgence" of measles in Europe, in part fueled by vaccine refusals, with nearly 90,000 people sickened by the virus in the first half of 2019.