Measles Outbreak in Bangladesh: Vaccination Campaign and Major Facts

Bangladesh initiates Emergency Vaccination.

Following the increased number of measles outbreaks, Bangladesh has initiated an emergency immunisation program to vaccinate more than one million children. Health authorities have moved swiftly to contain the outbreak and to safeguard the vulnerable groups, particularly young children who are more susceptible to the complications.

About Measles Disease

Measles is a very contagious viral disease which is caused by the virus of the paramyxovir family. It is primarily a disease of children but it can infect anyone who is not vaccinated or immunologically deficient. It starts in the respiratory system and continues spreading all over the body, which occasionally causes severe complications, such as pneumonia and inflammation of the brain.

Transmission and Rapid Spread.

The disease is transmitted by droplets produced by coughing or sneezing of an infected person. It is also highly contagious in areas of high density because it can be transmitted by air. The virus may remain in the air or on surfaces as long as two hours, thus making the probability of transmission even without direct contact.

Symptoms and Vulnerable Groups.

The symptoms normally manifest between 10 and 14 days of infection. The first symptoms are high fever, cough, runny nose and red and watery eyes. There might also be small white spots in the mouth and then a rash begins on the face and extends downwards. Children who are not vaccinated, pregnant women and people with low immunity are at risk of serious illness.

Exam-Focused Points

• Caused by paramyxovirus
• Transmitted by contact and aerosol.
• Infectiousness: air/surfaces 2 hours.
• Major symptom: rash beginning on face.
• Vaccine: Measles-rubella (MR) vaccine.

Prevention and Treatment

Measles does not have a particular cure. Therapy is aimed at supportive therapy including hydration and complication management. The most effective way of prevention is vaccination. The MR vaccine is long term and very vital in the containment of the outbreaks.