RAJSHAHI, Apr 04: A sharp rise in measles cases across Rajshahi Division has sparked growing concern among parents.
According to the Divisional Health Directorate, between mid-March and April 2, a total of 520 samples were collected from children showing measles symptoms in various hospitals. Of these, 143 tested positive, indicating an infection rate of nearly 35 percent.
Currently, 229 children with suspected or confirmed measles are receiving treatment at hospitals across the division.
The health department has identified 26 outbreak-prone areas, with the highest concentration in Pabna (10 areas), followed by Rajshahi (6 areas, five within the city), Naogaon (5), Chapainawabganj (3), and one each in Natore and Sirajganj. Officials fear the number of affected areas may increase if preventive measures are not strengthened.
In the past 24 hours alone, three chialdren have died from measles-related complications at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH).
During the same period, 25 new patients were admitted, while three recovered and were discharged. RMCH currently has 149 children undergoing treatment for measles symptoms.
So far, the hospital's isolation ward has treated 377 patients, including 38 fatalities.
Doctors have warned that measles is no longer confined to children, as adults are also at risk. Infants under six months are particularly vulnerable, as most have not yet received vaccination.
Hospital data shows that around 65 percent of infected children contracted measles before reaching nine months of age.
Divisional Health Director Dr. Habibur Rahman said outbreak areas with multiple cases are being prioritised for vaccination campaigns. "Vaccination can help reduce transmission, lowering risks even for the youngest children," he added.
In Cox’s Bazar, a large number of children admitted to the children's ward of Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital are currently at risk of severe infection.
Although a dedicated measles ward has been introduced to control the highly contagious disease, the situation is becoming increasingly alarming due to limited capacity and mismanagement.
According to sources, a temporary ward with only eight beds has been opened for children infected with measles. However, due to excessive patient pressure, an average of two to three children are being treated on a single bed.
Due to the shortage of space, measles-infected children are being kept alongside those suffering from other common illnesses, significantly increasing the risk of cross-infection.
Hospital authorities reported that four children have died while undergoing treatment in the measles ward over the past week.
Abdul Mannan, the father of a patient, said his nine-month-old child was initially admitted to the general children's ward. Later, after developing a rash, the child was transferred to the measles ward.
"It is difficult to distinguish who has measles and who has other diseases here. Everyone is staying together, which is very dangerous," he said.
Assistant Registrar of the Child Health Department, Dr. Shahidul Alam, said that an eight-bed measles ward was initially set up and discussions are ongoing to improve the situation. There are plans to establish a fully isolated measles ward soon.
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