Measles deaths continue to rise, surpassing 900, three months after a nationwide vaccination campaign ended. This outbreak, far from over, highlights the critical need for sustained efforts in vaccination and infection control. The recent surge in deaths, with 8 more children succumbing to measles-like symptoms in the past 24 hours, underscores the ongoing vulnerability of our population. The data reveals a concerning trend: the pace of deaths has not significantly slowed, with the last 100 deaths occurring in just 23 days, compared to 26 days for the previous 100. This indicates a persistent and potentially deadly threat.
Health experts and doctors attribute the continued outbreak to several factors. Firstly, a gap in vaccination coverage affecting around 40 lakh children is a significant concern. This gap leaves a large portion of the population vulnerable to the disease. Secondly, infections among children outside the campaign's target age group contribute to the spread. Lastly, inadequate infection prevention and control measures exacerbate the situation.
The high number of hospital admissions and deaths raises questions about the effectiveness of the emergency measles-rubella vaccination campaign. Doctors report that most admitted patients and those who died were unvaccinated, emphasizing the importance of widespread vaccination. The situation is particularly dire for children with comorbidities, malnutrition, and those who are non-vaccinated. These factors significantly increase the risk of severe outcomes, including death.
The DNCC Dedicated Covid-19 Hospital, Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH), and Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute have all seen a rise in patients. While the vaccination drive in May initially reduced the number of patients, recent weeks have seen a resurgence. The DNCC hospital, for instance, treated over 13,000 measles patients, with nearly 400 currently admitted and 107 having died. The Bangladesh Shishu Hospital recorded 70 deaths out of 2,239 patients, with 102 measles patients admitted yesterday.
The IDH, despite no new deaths reported in the past two to three weeks, has also seen an increase in patients. Most of the infected children at IDH were non-vaccinated, further emphasizing the importance of widespread vaccination.
The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has initiated a mop-up drive to expand measles coverage and strengthen efforts to reach unvaccinated children. This targeted follow-up vaccination effort aims to identify and vaccinate those who were missed during the main campaign. Additionally, all hospitals have been directed to strictly maintain quarantine protocols to prevent the spread of the infection.
In conclusion, the ongoing measles outbreak demands sustained and comprehensive efforts in vaccination and infection control. The high number of deaths and hospital admissions highlights the urgent need for action. By addressing the gaps in vaccination coverage, implementing robust infection prevention measures, and ensuring widespread vaccination, we can effectively combat this deadly outbreak and protect our population from the devastating impacts of measles.
