Bangladesh battles measles outbreak

Dhaka’s Directorate General of Health Services has reported ten suspected deaths and 1,248 cases in 24 hours

Bangladesh is battling a major measles outbreak, with the government reporting more than 1,000 suspected cases across the country in 24 hours.

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said that 1,248 suspected and 189 confirmed measles cases were reported from 8 AM on Tuesday to 8 AM Wednesday, the Dhaka Tribune reported.

Ten suspected deaths were also recorded during the period, including six in the capital, Dhaka, which registered the highest number of suspected cases at 505.

The DGHS has reported 11,133 suspected and 1,599 confirmed measles cases nationwide between March 15 and April 8.

Health officials said the data reflects only cases recorded in government hospitals, adding that the actual number of infections could be significantly higher.

A surge in infections, deaths, and hospital admissions has been reported from across the South Asian nation.

Dhaka is conducting emergency measles-rubella vaccinations while trying to contain the outbreak, which has killed more than 100 children in less than a month, the Associated Press reported.

The government said vaccination for children aged from six months to five years old in 18 high-risk districts began on Sunday in association with the World Health Organization (WHO).

READ MORE: 4. Global health, vaccines new justice in the world of global health care

Dhaka launched a massive immunization drive in 1979, and has since been able to extend coverage to 81.6% fully immunized children from just 2% then.

Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease causing fever and respiratory issues, and can have severe or fatal complications, especially in young children, according to the WHO.

The WHO says 95% of the population has to be vaccinated in order to stop the disease from spreading.