The government will launch an emergency measles-rubella vaccination campaign from 9:00 am on Sunday in 30 high-risk upazilas and municipalities to combat a growing outbreak.
In the first phase, all children aged between six months and under five years - up to 59 months - will be brought under the programme. This will apply regardless of whether they have previously received the vaccine.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain disclosed the plan at a briefing at the Secretariat on Saturday.
Amid rising infections, a bulletin issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) reported that 787 patients with measles-like symptoms were identified in the last 24 hours. Of them, 60 cases were confirmed as measles.
From March 15 to Saturday, a total of 6,476 suspected cases have been reported, including 826 confirmed infections. During this period, 4,628 patients were hospitalised, while 2,654 have been discharged.
Regarding fatalities, four deaths with measles-like symptoms were recorded in the past 24 hours. Since March 15, a total of 94 such deaths have been reported, including 16 confirmed measles-related fatalities.
Speaking at the briefing, the minister said priority is being given to children aged six to 59 months. "We want to ensure rapid coverage of this group across the country," he said.
He noted that many children in this age group were born after the nationwide immunisation campaign in December 2020. As a result, a significant number may have missed vaccination. Experts have also confirmed that receiving an additional dose poses no risk, even for those already vaccinated.
The minister said the campaign in the 30 upazilas marks the beginning of a broader effort. "We will first control the outbreak in the most affected areas and then expand nationwide," he said, expressing hope that the emergency drive will be completed by May 21.
According to health ministry data, laboratory tests confirmed 275 measles cases in samples from these high-risk areas. Of them, 224 were children under five, 23 were aged between five and under 10, and 28 were above 10 years.
Alongside vaccination, infected children or those with fever will receive Vitamin A capsules. Healthy children will be given only the vaccine.
Vaccination will continue daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at designated centres, including immunisation sites, schools and community centres.
The minister urged parents to bring all children under five to vaccination centres. However, those who are ill or have a fever should wait until full recovery.
He also called for public awareness and media cooperation. "The government is fully prepared. The vaccines are safe and effective. There is no reason for panic," he said.
Meanwhile, three more children died with measles-like symptoms at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, according to hospital spokesperson Dr Shankar Kumar Biswas. A total of 149 children are currently undergoing treatment there.
In Kushtia, two children died on Friday night at Kushtia Medical College Hospital, said Deputy Director Dr AHM Anwarul Islam.
More than 300 children have been hospitalised in the district, with 130 still under treatment.
