For the past few days, several media reports have indicated that a highly contagious disease, measles, is spreading among children in the Rajshahi region. Laboratory tests of samples collected from hospitalised children with symptoms have confirmed the presence of the virus.
Under the supervision of the World Health Organization, samples are being collected from seven district sadar hospitals and four medical college hospitals in the division and sent to Dhaka for testing.
However, the outbreak is not limited to Rajshahi. The disease has spread significantly in at least seven districts across the country. In the current month alone, 21 child deaths linked to measles have been reported. A higher number of cases has been detected in Dhaka, Mymensingh, Rajshahi, Pabna, Chattogram, Jashore, and Natore.
Despite these alarming figures, many parents remain unaware of the disease, with some not knowing how it spreads or how to protect their children.
Health experts warn that measles is often mistaken for a common cold or fever. In reality, it is a serious viral infection that spreads rapidly and can lead to severe complications, especially in children.
What is measles?
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects the respiratory system and spreads quickly. Although children are most at risk, unvaccinated individuals of any age can become infected.
How does it spread?
The virus spreads through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Others can become infected by inhaling these airborne particles. According to experts, one infected person can transmit the virus to 8–10 healthy individuals, demonstrating its high transmissibility.
What are the symptoms?
Early symptoms often resemble the common flu, leading many to overlook the disease. Initial signs include:
• High fever
• Runny nose
• Cough
• Red eyes
After a few days, a red rash appears, usually starting on the face and gradually spreading across the body. Children may also experience weakness, loss of appetite, and sensitivity to light.
How serious is measles?
Measles should not be treated as a mild childhood illness. It can lead to complications such as pneumonia, diarrhoea, and even encephalitis (brain inflammation). It can be fatal, particularly among malnourished children or those with weakened immune systems.
According to the World Health Organization, measles remains a significant cause of death among unvaccinated children.
How to stay protected?
• Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure. Ensuring the timely administration of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is essential.
• Avoid close contact with infected individuals, cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, maintain hand hygiene, and keep children away from crowded places.
• If a child develops a fever along with a rash, seek medical attention immediately instead of assuming it is a minor condition.
Why awareness is crucial
Measles spreads rapidly, meaning one infected child can transmit the disease to an entire family or school. Delayed detection often worsens outbreaks.
Health experts emphasise that declining vaccination rates and negligence can lead to sudden surges in infections. Increasing public awareness is therefore critical.
Measles is preventable—but if ignored, it can become deadly. The current situation in Rajshahi highlights how a small virus can turn into a major public health threat without timely vaccination and awareness.