A fast-spreading measles outbreak infecting thousands of people across Bangladesh – and which has already led to 17 confirmed deaths – has prompted an emergency vaccination campaign targeting more than 1m children, reports Reuters.
Aside from the confirmed deaths, the health ministry said they suspected measles in another 113 suspected deaths, and infections had risen to 7 500 suspected cases nationwide.
The vaccine campaign, led by the ministry with support from Unicef, the World Health Organisation and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has begun in 18 high-risk districts.
Children aged six months to five years are being prioritised, particularly those who missed routine immunisation and who face the highest risk of severe complications.
“Unicef is deeply concerned about the sharp rise in cases, putting thousands of children, especially the youngest and most vulnerable, at serious risk,” said Rana Flowers, the charity’s representative to Bangladesh.
Hospitals in several high-burden regions are already overcrowded and operating with limited capacity, raising concerns about further spread.
The WHO told Reuters that the outbreak, which now spans 56 of the country’s 64 districts, would continue to spread in the coming days, but would hopefully be curtailed soon after the vaccination campaign is rolled out.
Reuters article – Bangladesh launches emergency vaccination campaign as measles outbreak spreads
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