Photo: Collected

NATORE, May 10, 2026 (BSS) – The special measles-rubella vaccination campaign has brought relief among residents in Natore Sadar upazila. 

Currently, no death or serious complication has been reported in the district from measles symptoms.
 
In the wake of measles outbreaks reported in different districts across the country, a special measles vaccination campaign was launched on April 5 in 30 upazilas of 18 districts, including Natore Sadar upazila. 

Under the programme, a total of 20,273 children aged between six months and 59 months were vaccinated against measles in Natore municipality and seven unions of the sadar upazila.

Later, from April 20, the measles vaccination campaign was expanded to the remaining six upazilas of the district and will continue until May 20.

A total of 217 suspected measles patients have been identified in the district so far. Of them, laboratory tests confirmed measles infection in 28 individuals. 

At present, 22 patients with measles symptoms are undergoing treatment at the 250-bed Natore General Hospital. All admitted patients are now out of danger.

Child specialist at the 250-bed Natore General Hospital Dr Sumana Sarkar told BSS that children suffering from measles, cold-related complications and diarrhoea are admitted to the hospital when necessary.

She said many children do not require hospitalization and are instead provided with vitamin A capsules and necessary medical advice.

“Of the 26 children admitted on Saturday, four were discharged today after recovery. Currently, 22 children are admitted and all of them are stable,” she added.

Dr Sarkar further said that since April 5, no child has required referral to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital or any other specialized hospital.

Natore Sadar Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Kamal Uddin Bhuiyan told BSS that measles testing cannot be conducted within 14 days after vaccination.

“As the vaccination campaign is ongoing, measles testing activities in Dhaka will resume after June 30,” he said.

Civil Surgeon of Natore Dr Muhammad Mashiur Rahman said that 100 percent of the targeted children in Natore Sadar upazila had been brought under the special measles-rubella vaccination programme.

“The vaccination campaign has strengthened the immunity of children while also increasing public awareness. 

As a result, a sense of relief has returned among the people,” he added.