TUHIN SHUBHRA ADHIKARY

The number of measles and suspected measles cases crossed one lakh yesterday, as infections continued to climb despite 1.84 crore children being brought under vaccination coverage a month ago.

Although the number of measles-related deaths has declined over the past three weeks, daily cases have remained above 1,000, while hospital admissions stood at 800 on all but one day during the first 18 days of this month.

The country recorded 1,009 suspected measles cases and 139 confirmed cases in the 24 hours ending at 8:00am yesterday, taking the total number of cases to 100,677, according to the Directorate General of Health Services.

Of them, 10,773 are confirmed measles cases and 89,904 are suspected cases reported since March 15, according to DGHS data.

Meanwhile, five more deaths were reported in the 24-hour period, taking the total death toll to 666 -- including 93 confirmed measles deaths and 573 deaths with measles-like symptoms.

Health experts listed the possibility of inadequate vaccination coverage in some areas and lack of infection control and prevention measures as reasons. They warned that as the dengue season approaches, children infected with measles could face severe complications if they also contract dengue.

The government, however, said the number of deaths has declined significantly, while infections are also falling and are expected to decrease further soon.

The country is experiencing an unprecedented measles outbreak, with cases and deaths rising sharply since mid-March.

The government launched an emergency measles-rubella vaccination campaign in 30 high-burden upazilas on April 5, followed by four city corporations, before expanding it nationwide on April 20.

The government and health experts expect infections to decline sharply after mid-June, as 1.84 crore children -- more than two lakh above the preliminary target -- had been vaccinated by May 20.

They, however, said immunity takes three to four weeks to develop after vaccination. The campaign, meanwhile, continued as some children remained outside its coverage.

HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS STILL HIGH

The number of measles patients admitted to hospitals hovered between 800 and 1,200 this

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