Bangladesh is facing its highest daily average of measles cases and hospitalizations since May. Data from the Directorate General of Health Services reveals a grim spike: over the first 26 days of September, the country recorded a daily average of 1,229 cases and 1,072 hospitalizations.
September Trends Eclipse Previous Peaks
The current figures have officially surpassed the previous high-water mark set in May. Back then, the daily average sat at 1,220 cases and 1,023 hospitalizations. Today, the cumulative case count has reached approximately 209,000. While the disease continues to drive up mortality rates, national attention remains fractured, diverted by a concurrent and lethal surge in dengue fever that has made September the deadliest month of the current epidemic for that illness as well.
Vaccination Gaps Fuel Transmission
Public health experts point to systemic failures in initial coverage as the primary driver of the ongoing transmission. Even with intervention waves held in April, May, and late July, the virus continues to circulate. Experts cite specific hurdles in hospital and patient management, particularly delays in identifying infected children and a failure to effectively facilitate home isolation.
Targeting 3.4 Million Children
To stem the tide, the government launched an intensive catch-up vaccination campaign this Saturday. The initiative aims to reach approximately 3.4 million unvaccinated children between the ages of 6 and 59 months.
Proposed Strategy for Older Children and Infants
Authorities are now weighing an expansion of the program to include children up to age 15, following reports that older children are increasingly contracting the virus. Officials are also considering a policy to vaccinate mothers with infants under six months old. By using the transfer of maternal antibodies, the state hopes to provide passive immunity to newborns who are currently too young to receive the vaccine directly.