2 more children die with measles symptoms in Mymensingh

Two more children died with measles-like symptoms at the isolation ward of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of deaths in the facility to 12.

Associate Professor Dr Md Golam Mawla, focal person of the hospital’s measles medical team, confimred the matter on Sunday morning.

He said that the number of admissions continues to rise, with 26 new children admitted in the past 24 hours. A total of 73 cildren are currently receiving treatment at the hospital.

A 9-month-old boy from Phulpur, admitted to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital on the night of April 12 with measles-like symptoms, died around 1:00 am due to heart failure, pneumonia, and suspected measles infection while undergoing treatment.

In another case, a 10-month-old boy from Gouripur, admitted on April 11 with pneumonia and measles-like symptoms at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, died at around 11:00 PM on Saturday while undergoing treatment, he said.

Dr Mawla further stated that from March 17 to April 12, a total of 397 children with measles-like symptoms have been admitted to the facility. Of them, 312 have recovered and been discharged, while 12 have died.

In the last 24 hours, 28 patients were discharged after recovery.

He added that although an intensive care unit (ICU) has been prepared for pediatric patients, it remains non-operational due to shortages of equipment and manpower. As a result, patients in the isolation ward are being treated with oxygen support and bubble CPAP systems.

Hospital Assistant Director (administration) Dr Mohammad Mainuddin Khan said three medical teams are currently providing treatment in the measles isolation ward. 

He noted that proposals for ICU equipment and additional staffing have already been submitted to the relevant authorities.

He also said oxygen support is being provided to children with respiratory complications, while bubble CPAP is being used when oxygen cylinders are insufficient to maintain stable oxygen levels.

Kamruzzaman Mintu/MHK