Despite repeated claims by the health minister that the measles situation is under control, deaths linked to measles and measles-like symptoms continue to rise. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said on Tuesday that another 11 children have died after being infected across the country.
Amid the growing spread of the disease, the DGHS has made it mandatory for both public and private healthcare facilities to set up separate wards or cabins for measles and suspected measles patients. It has also issued special directives, including twice-daily doctor rounds, to ensure proper treatment.
Meanwhile, Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain said the first dose of the measles vaccination campaign has been completed, and preparations are underway to administer the second dose after Eid-ul-Azha.
According to the latest DGHS report, of the 11 deaths recorded in the last 24 hours, nine children died with measles symptoms, while two deaths were confirmed as measles-related. Since March 15, a total of 475 deaths linked to measles and its symptoms have been reported, including 77 confirmed measles deaths.
The report said that among the nine children who died with symptoms, three were from Dhaka division and three from Sylhet, while one each was from Chattogram, Mymensingh and Khulna divisions.
During the same period, 1,264 suspected measles cases were identified nationwide. Of them, 1,115 patients were admitted to hospitals and 1,110 were discharged. A total of 73 new measles cases were confirmed in the last 24 hours.
Dhaka division recorded the highest number of suspected cases at 544, followed by Chattogram with 230 and Barishal with 147. Dhaka also recorded the highest number of confirmed cases at 54.
In a directive signed by DGHS Director (Hospitals and Clinics) Moinul Ahsan, healthcare facilities were instructed to ensure admission and treatment of infected patients as necessary.
Hospitals have also been directed to maintain adequate doctors and healthcare workers in measles isolation wards, while specialist physicians must conduct morning and evening rounds daily, including on holidays.
The directive further states that no more than one guardian or visitor will be allowed per patient. Hospitals have also been instructed to upload patient information daily to the MIS server.
Speaking at a programme at Universal Medical College Hospital, the health minister said the second phase of the measles vaccination campaign would begin nationwide after Eid-ul-Azha.
He also acknowledged a temporary shortage of syringes, but said new supplies were arriving in line with monthly demand and distribution would be increased across the country.
He added that there are sufficient seats in medical colleges, and that hospitals in divisional cities are being developed in phases.
