The ongoing measles outbreak in the country has reached an alarming stage, with the total death toll surpassing 300.
In the 24 hours leading up to 8am on Monday, a record 17 deaths were reported, marking the highest single-day fatality count since the outbreak began on 15 March.
According to the latest report from Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the total number of fatalities nationwide has reached 311. Of these, 52 deaths have been laboratory-confirmed as measles-related, while 259 are recorded as suspected cases.
Within the last 24 hours, 1,302 new suspected cases and 154 confirmed cases were identified.
Over the past one and a half months, the total number of suspected patients has risen to 41,793, with laboratory tests confirming measles in 5,467 individuals. Currently, 28,842 infected patients have been hospitalised, while 25,151 have returned home after completing their treatment.
The report indicates that Dhaka division and district remain the most vulnerable areas regarding mortality rates.
In the last 24 hours, Dhaka division recorded the highest number of suspected deaths at 11, of which eight were from Dhaka district.
Chittagong division reported four suspected deaths during the same period. Since 15 March, Dhaka has topped the statistics with a total of 127 suspected deaths, followed by Rajshahi division with 70 and Chittagong division with 25.
To contain the situation, the government has been conducting a special vaccination programme across the country since 5 April.
Against a target of 181,200,803 people, approximately 155,600,222 have been vaccinated to date, which the report cites as 101 per cent of the national target.
Among the divisions, coverage in Dhaka and Chittagong stands at 101 percent. Within city corporation areas, Gazipur City Corporation leads with a coverage rate of 166 percent, while the rate in Sylhet City Corporation remains comparatively low at 82 percent.
