The pediatric department of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital is facing a sudden rise in measles cases. Hospital authorities expressed concern as the number of patients increased abnormally since mid-March.
In the past 12 days, 106 children with measles have been admitted to the hospital. Among them, two children died in the last 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to five. Doctors believe irregular vaccination due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the post-August 5, 2024, unrest may have contributed to the surge.
On Saturday (March 28) at 5 pm, six-month-old Nurunnobi from Kalmakanda, Netrokona, was admitted and died at 11 pm the same day. The previous day, seven-month-old Leon, son of Abdur Rahim from Char Gobodia village in Mymensingh Sadar, was admitted and passed away the following day at 5:30 pm.
Earlier, on March 26, three-year-old Tanusa from Nawmahal, Mymensingh, and two-year-old Samia from Police Lines were admitted and died the same day. On March 15, four-month-old Wazkuruni from Koltapara, Gauripur, was admitted and died on March 18 while under treatment.
Currently, hospital staff are struggling to manage the pressure of measles cases. While only one or two patients were admitted intermittently over the past two months, numbers suddenly surged in mid-March. Due to patient overload, in some cases, two children are treated on a single bed, and some are even placed on the floor. In response, the hospital administration has set up a separate “measles corner” and formed three medical teams.
Abdur Rahim, father of Leon, said his son was previously admitted before Eid for pneumonia for five days. After returning home, when measles appeared, he was brought back to the hospital but sadly passed away on Saturday (March 28) evening.
Among current patients, 15-month-old Almach Mia from Haluaghat and 13-month-old Samia Akter from Purbadhala, Netrokona, are being treated for measles. Their families reported that the children have been in the hospital for several days without showing signs of recovery, raising concerns among parents.
Associate Professor and focal person of the measles medical team, Dr Moha Golam Mawla, said the number of children with measles started rising in mid-March. So far, 106 children have been admitted, and five have died. In the last 24 hours, three new children were admitted, and currently, 66 children are receiving treatment. Both vaccinated and unvaccinated children are among the patients, many of whom also suffer from fever and pneumonia.
Dr Mohammad Mainuddin Khan, Assistant Director (Administration) of the hospital, explained that measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads rapidly through sneezing, coughing, speaking, or direct contact. Three separate medical teams have been formed to manage the patients. Preparations are underway to convert the current “measles corner” in three pediatric rooms into a dedicated isolation ward.
Acting Civil Surgeon of Mymensingh, Faisal Ahmed, said 22 suspected measles patients have been admitted to the district’s Upazila health complexes, some of whom have recovered and returned home. Currently, six patients remain admitted. Each health complex has set up three separate beds to accommodate the rising number of measles cases. Parents are urged to remain vigilant and ensure timely vaccination for their children.