Measles outbreak expected to ease within a month: Health Minister

The Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain has stated the country’s measles outbreak is likely to come under control within the next four weeks as newly vaccinated individuals begin to develop immunity.

Speaking to reporters on Monday after visiting Barishal Sadar Hospital, the minister noted that infection numbers have already started to decline. He expressed optimism that the situation will stabilise once the recent vaccination drive takes full effect.

Sakhawat Husain explained that measles immunisation campaigns were scheduled to be conducted every four years, but the programme was disrupted after 2020. The break in routine vaccinations, he said, contributed significantly to the current surge in cases.

He acknowledged that when the present government assumed office, there was no available stock of measles vaccines. However, authorities were able to secure new supplies within a short period and restart immunisation efforts to contain the outbreak.

During his hospital visit, the minister inspected the ticket counter and ordered the suspension of an employee who was absent from duty. He also reviewed attendance records of doctors and spoke directly with patients undergoing treatment.

According to the Directorate General of Health Services, six more children died from measles or measles-like symptoms in the 24 hours leading up to 8 am Monday. The latest fatalities bring the nationwide death toll to 415 since March 15.