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deaths rose to 83, while suspected deaths increased to 405.

A total of 208 confirmed cases were logged in the 24 hours, bringing the number to 8, 275. Besides, 1,423 suspected cases were recorded during the period, taking the toll to 59,279.

A total of 1,279 patients were hospitalised in the 24 hours, while 1,216 left hospitals, DGHS said.

On April 5, the government launched a special vaccination campaign in 30 high-burden upazilas across 18 districts amid a rise in measles cases and deaths.

The programme was later extended to four city corporations on April 12, before a nationwide campaign was launched on April 20.

The DGHS data shows it has achieved over 100 percent target in all divisions, except Sylhet where the coverage rate is 99 percent. Dhaka, Rajshahi, and Rangpur divisions obtained 103 percent coverage.

Explaining the matter, Prof Zahid said the campaign target of 1.8 crore children had been set on the basis of estimates, but the actual number of children requiring vaccination turned out to be higher.

In addition, some children above the age bracket of five may have received the shots this time, he told this correspondent earlier. “Together, these reasons may explain why vaccination coverage exceeded 100 percent in certain divisions.”