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 ongoing 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 highlighted by the death of one-year-old Nuniya, who initially showed mild cold-like symptoms but rapidly deteriorated. Despite being rushed to Shishu Hospital in Shyamoli, 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 Department of Epidemiology and Research, 248 children visited the outpatient department 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, six children have died from pneumonia, and 47 remain admitted with confirmed cases.

Kinkar Ghosh, Epidemiologist at the hospital’s the Department of Epidemiology and Research, confirmed that December 2025 saw 321 pneumonia admissions, the highest in the past year.

Mahmudul Haque Chowdhury, Assistant Professor and Resident Physician at the hospital, told Jago News that due to the severe cold wave, there is an increase in patients with pneumonia, bronchiolitis, and cold-cough. He advised giving special attention to children, as well as people of all ages, during this period.