28 more children hospitalised in Ctg with measles, pneumonia symptoms; 8 critical

At least 28 more children were admitted to hospitals in Chattogram in a single day with symptoms of measles and pneumonia, raising concerns over a growing health situation in the district.

Of them, 26 were hospitalised in metropolitan areas, while two were admitted at the upazila level, significantly increasing the number of affected children.

Chattogram Civil Surgeon Dr Jahangir Alam said most of the children are showing symptoms such as fever, breathing difficulties and skin rashes, consistent with measles and pneumonia.

"31 samples were sent to Dhaka for testing in the past 24 hours," he added.

According to reports of previously sent samples, measles has been confirmed in eight children in the district so far, with two new cases recently identified in Lohagara and Patiya upazilas.

Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH) Director Brigadier General Mohammed Taslim Uddin said a total of 48 children with similar symptoms are currently undergoing treatment at the facility. "Of them, eight are in critical condition and are being treated in the paediatric intensive care unit, including one in very critical condition."

He also noted that around 28 children admitted earlier have recovered and returned home.

Affected children are receiving treatment at several facilities, including Chattogram Medical College Hospital, General Hospital and Chattogram Ma o Shishu Hospital, along with other public and private hospitals.

Earlier, two children with similar symptoms died at Chattogram Medical College Hospital, one of whom had tested positive for measles.