2 more children die with measles symptoms in Rajshahi

Two more children have died with measles symptoms at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, as the number of suspected cases continues to rise, hospital authorities said on Sunday.

According to Dr Shankar K Biswas, spokesperson and Emergency Medical Officer of the hospital, the deaths occurred within the last 24 hours from Saturday morning to Sunday morning. During the same period, 24 new children with suspected measles were admitted, while 36 patients recovered and returned home.

Currently, 125 children with suspected measles are undergoing treatment at the hospital, indicating a growing strain on healthcare facilities.

He said patient admissions have increased compared to previous days. If the situation worsens, an entire pediatric ward may be converted into a dedicated measles isolation unit to manage the surge in cases.

In response to the rising pressure, authorities are also taking steps to transfer critically ill patients to the Heart Foundation Hospital in Rajshahi, he said, adding that the pediatric ICU has been expanded from 12 to 18 beds, with 12 beds allocated for measles patients and 6 for other children.

Additionally, 10 ICU beds at the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute are being temporarily used to ease pressure on RMC’s ICU capacity, he said.

Earlier, six more children have died with measles symptoms in Kushtia and Rajshahi districts on Saturday.

FA/MHK