26 children die in first 20 days of April at CMCH with measles and pneumonia symptoms

In the first 20 days of April, 275 children were admitted to Chattogram Medical College Hospital with measles-like symptoms, of whom 26 died from pneumonia-related complications.

A visit to the hospital's paediatric department this morning (23 April) revealed a severe bed shortage amid mounting patient pressure.

More than 300 children are currently admitted, including around 100 suffering from pneumonia, while 13 critically ill patients are being treated in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (Picu).

The crisis has led to overcrowding in wards, with multiple children sharing single beds.

Over 50 children are being treated across just 16 beds in two blocks designated for measles patients, and some have been placed on the floor due to the lack of space.

Hospital authorities said many of the deceased children had rashes, though measles was not confirmed through laboratory tests.

Doctors noted that children presenting with measles-like symptoms face a significantly higher risk of developing pneumonia, which can rapidly become severe.

Physicians also pointed out that pneumonia cases typically rise during seasonal transitions due to dust, temperature fluctuations, and increased viral and bacterial infections.

Young children are particularly vulnerable because of their weaker immune systems.

Professor Mohammad Musa Mia, head of the paediatrics department, told The Business Standard, "Pneumonia cases increase during this time of year. The children who died had rashes, but measles was not detected. The high number of patients has created a space crisis."

He added that most affected patients are under the age of three, although one adult case has also been recorded.

Akhtar Kabir Chowdhury, president of the Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Shujan), told TBS that it is essential to ensure regular vaccination of children, maintain hygiene, and seek medical attention promptly if symptoms such as fever, cough, or breathing difficulties appear.

"This can help reduce complications and the death rate," he said, adding that hospital authorities should ensure separate facilities for patients to ease suffering.

According to data from the Chattogram Civil Surgeon's Office, 53 people were diagnosed with measles in the district between 28 March and 22 April.

In the past 24 hours alone, 31 new patients were admitted and 12 new cases were identified.

Currently, 157 patients are undergoing treatment, while 347 people have recovered and returned home over the past month.

Chattogram Civil Surgeon Jahangir Alam told TBS, "Adults can also contract measles if they were not vaccinated in childhood. Therefore, we are prioritising the vaccination programme."

He added that there are plans to bring around 700,000 children across 15 upazilas under vaccination coverage.