Pneumonia cases surge among children amid winter cold

Dhaka is witnessing a sharp spike in pediatric pneumonia cases this winter, with doctors at Shishu Hospital warning that children, especially infants, are particularly vulnerable during the current cold wave. 

Families are being urged to take preventive measures and seek immediate medical attention at the first sign of serious symptoms.

The severity of the outbreak was underscored by the death of one-year-old Nuniya, who initially showed mild cold-like symptoms but rapidly deteriorated. Despite being rushed to Shyamoli Children’s Hospital, she could not be saved.

Hospitals across the city reported an influx of young patients with cold-related illnesses on Saturday, January 3. Among them were 18-month-old Sabit from Mirpur and four-month-old Rufida from Aminbazar, both suffering from persistent coughs and fever. Thirteen-month-old Huzaifa from Hemayetpur was also under evaluation for possible respiratory and gastric complications.

According to data from Shishu Hospital’s pathology department, 248 children visited the outpatient unit on Thursday, January 1. Of these, 98 had common colds and 47 were diagnosed with pneumonia. Five required hospitalisation that day alone. So far this winter season, six children have died from pneumonia, and 47 remain admitted with confirmed cases.

Dr. Kingkor Ghosh, Head of the Pathology department, said December 2025 saw 321 pneumonia admissions, the highest in recent years. “The unusually cold and dry weather is creating ideal conditions for respiratory infections to spread, especially among children under two,” he explained.

Resident physician Dr Mahmudul Haque Chowdhury said that cases of bronchiolitis and other lower respiratory tract infections are also rising sharply. “Early symptoms of pneumonia, such as cough, fever, or fast breathing, are often mistaken for a common cold. Delaying care can be life-threatening,” he cautioned.

Doctors are urging parents and caregivers to watch for warning signs: persistent cough, high fever, difficulty breathing, lethargy, or poor feeding. “If a child is breathing rapidly, grunting, or showing chest retractions, seek emergency care immediately,” Dr. Ghosh stressed.

Health authorities recommend keeping children warm, ensuring proper indoor ventilation, avoiding crowded places, and maintaining good hygiene to curb the spread of infection with temperatures expected to stay low through mid-January.