Rajshahi: An outbreak of measles has been detected in 26 areas of the Rajshahi division, prompting health authorities to initiate a vaccination campaign in 10 upazilas across the region. The vaccination drive commenced on Sunday in Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, Naogaon, Natore, and Pabna districts, targeting areas with higher infection rates, and plans are set to expand the program to all upazilas progressively.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the vaccination campaign began in specific upazilas, including Godagari in Rajshahi; Shibganj, Sadar, and Bholahat in Chapainawabganj; Natore Sadar; Porsha in Naogaon; and Ishwardi, Sadar, Atgharia, and Bera in Pabna districts. In Rajshahi, the program was officially inaugurated at the Matikata Community Clinic in Godagari Upazila by Deputy Commissioner Kazi Shahidul Islam. The campaign will run daily for three weeks from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Health officials have stated that the special vaccination campaign is crucial in providing protection to children against measles. Initially, 38,590 doses from existing stocks in Rajshahi are being utilized, with vaccination coverage extending to children as young as six months. The health department classifies areas with multiple confirmed cases as outbreak zones, with 26 such areas identified so far in the division.
The World Health Organization (WHO) tested 520 samples from hospitals in the division between mid-March and early April, revealing the highest spread in Pabna, followed by Rajshahi, Naogaon, Chapainawabganj, Natore, and Sirajganj. Doctors report that most of the hospitalized children are under six months, with 65% being infected before nine months of age. The outbreak also affects adults, with several currently hospitalized.
Dr. Shankar Kumar Biswas from Rajshahi Medical College and Hospital (RMCH) noted a daily increase in measles cases. As of last Saturday, 149 patients were admitted, prompting the establishment of a 40-bed isolation ward and additional isolation corners in pediatric wards. The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) capacity has been increased to accommodate the rising number of patients.
Dr. Shahida Yasmin, head of RMCH’s pediatric department, emphasized that the situation has grown since the first case in January, with children from Rajshahi, Rangpur, and Khulna divisions affected. She highlighted the risk to children under six months, stating that the existing isolation arrangements might be strained if patient numbers continue to rise.
Dr. FAM Anjuman Ara Begum, chief health officer of Rajshahi City Corporation, confirmed that routine immunization for children aged 9 and 15 months continues, despite no new vaccine supplies. Associate Professor Dr. Benzir Ahmed stressed the importance of timely treatment and effective isolation to prevent complications such as pneumonia and reinfection.
Divisional Health Director Dr. Habibur Rahman assured that measles will not spread like COVID-19 due to the availability of vaccines. He expressed confidence that effective vaccination in outbreak zones will reduce infection rates and protect even the youngest children. Targets have been set at the upazila level to ensure the campaign’s success.