A suspected measles like disease outbreak in Bangladesh has created an alarming situation, with 98 child deaths reported over the past three weeks.
According to data released by the government of Bangladesh, symptoms similar to measles have been observed in 6,476 children aged between 6 months and 5 years.
A report issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare stated that an emergency vaccination campaign has been launched in the most affected areas, including the capital Dhaka.
Officials say that the number of affected children and deaths is higher compared to previous years.
According to official data, many patients are not tested, or children die before testing can be conducted, raising concerns that the actual number may be higher.
According to the World Health Organization, measles is among the most highly contagious diseases in the world, spreading rapidly through coughing or sneezing and can cause brain swelling and severe respiratory complications in children.
The organization estimates that around 95,000 deaths occur globally each year due to measles, most of them among unvaccinated children.
