Over 500 children have died in Bangladesh since mid-March due to a measles epidemic. According to official data, over 60 thousand suspected cases have been recorded, three quarters of which are children up to five years old, reports IPN.
The Ministry of Health reported that the victim toll includes both confirmed and suspected cases of measles. The total number of illnesses has risen rapidly, exceeding 60 thousand suspected cases in just eight weeks. Due to the severity of the situation, health authorities have decided to cancel the leave for doctors and nurses, to ensure the continuity of care.
The epidemic is fueled by delays in vaccine procurement. UNICEF announced that, despite numerous warnings issued, the interim Government changed procurement procedures, which led to supply disruptions. Experts warn that the massive migration during the Muslim holiday of Eid, could trigger a new epidemic wave through contact between carrier children and those not immunized. Even so, the health minister dismissed declaring a state of emergency, stating that district authorities are prepared to handle the situation.
Measles is a contagious viral disease, which is transmitted through coughing and sneezing. It manifests itself through symptoms such as high fever, skin rashes and lesions in the mouth, being particularly dangerous for unvaccinated children under five years old. The main method of prevention is vaccination, a process that helps form antibodies within a three to four week interval and provides protection against severe forms of the disease that can be fatal.
