‘Only one of 30 child deaths at RMCH confirmed as measles’

At least 30 children have died this year with symptoms resembling measles at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH). Among them, only one has tested positive for measles.

Professor Dr Shahida Yasmin, head of the Pediatrics Department at the hospital, disclosed this information on Monday (March 30) at noon.

She said, “Currently, a total of 270 children with measles-like symptoms are admitted to the hospital. Of them, 35 have been confirmed as measles cases. This year, 30 children have died with measles-like symptoms. Among them, one tested positive for measles. The remaining 29 were suspected cases, but their test results did not confirm measles.”

She added that patients are being treated both in a designated measles corner and in the general pediatric ward. “Separate isolation arrangements have been made in sections of two wards. If the number of patients increases further, we will take additional measures,” she said.

Dr Yasmin also noted that around 65 per cent of the infected children are under six months old, which is a matter of concern for physicians. The number of infected children above one year of age is very low.

Meanwhile, the hospital’s director, Brigadier General PKM Masud-ul-Islam, said that despite having a capacity of 1,200 beds, the hospital is accommodating between 2,500 and 3,500 patients daily, creating significant pressure on the healthcare system. He added that doctors are striving to provide the best possible care despite limited manpower and infrastructure.