8 die as Bangladesh records 1,092 new suspected measles cases
Total suspected infections since March exceed 80,000
Eight more people died of confirmed or suspected measles in the 24 hours ending at 8am today (8 June), according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
During the period, Bangladesh also recorded 1,092 new suspected measles cases and 93 confirmed infections.
The latest figures bring the total number of suspected measles cases reported since 15 March to 80,104, including 9,779 confirmed infections. During the same period, 536 suspected deaths and 92 confirmed deaths have been recorded nationwide.
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The DGHS said 974 patients were admitted to hospitals in the last 24 hours, while 1,194 were discharged. Since 15 March, 65,237 patients have been admitted and 61,278 have recovered and returned home.
Dhaka remained the worst-affected division in both daily and cumulative figures.
In the last 24 hours, the division recorded 465 suspected cases and 63 confirmed cases. It also recorded the country's only confirmed measles death during the period.
Since 15 March, Dhaka has reported 37,387 suspected cases and 6,794 confirmed cases. The division has also recorded 222 suspected deaths and 56 confirmed deaths, the highest in the country.
Chattogram reported the second-highest cumulative number of suspected cases at 13,273, followed by Barishal with 7,488, Rajshahi with 6,934 and Khulna with 5,858.
Meanwhile, the nationwide measles-rubella vaccination campaign has exceeded its target coverage. According to DGHS data, 18.46 million children have been vaccinated against a target population of 18.02 million, resulting in 102% national coverage.
Among the divisions, Sylhet recorded the lowest coverage at 99%, while Chattogram, Dhaka, Rajshahi and Rangpur each recorded 103% coverage.
City corporation areas recorded 106% coverage, with Gazipur posting the highest rate at 113%, followed by Dhaka North at 110%, Rajshahi at 109% and Chattogram at 108%. Rangpur City Corporation recorded the lowest coverage at 99%.
The figures were published in the latest measles situation update issued by the DGHS Health Emergency Operations Centre and Control Room.
