The government is set to launch an emergency measles vaccination campaign from April 5 amid a sharp rise in cases across the country.

Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain made the announcement at a press conference at the Secretariat today.

The campaign will begin in selected upazilas with a high number of measles cases and will eventually cover all children aged between six months and 10 years, the health minister said.

He added that leave for all health workers involved in the vaccination campaign has been cancelled.

At least four more children have died from suspected measles and related complications in the 24 hours ending Tuesday, bringing the death toll to 44 so far this year. 

The number could be higher as the government does not have a comprehensive death register.