Measles cases rise to 18 at Ctg Medical, more children hospitalised with symptoms

The number of children infected with measles at Chittagong Medical College Hospital has risen to 18, with at least 20 more admitted with symptoms, doctors said.

Hospital sources said eight children were admitted with measles symptoms within a single night, contributing to a sharp rise in cases over the past three days.

Paediatrics department Associate Professor Dr Belayet Hossain Dhali said one of the newly admitted children has been infected with the rubella virus.

Earlier, 10 children were undergoing treatment for measles, while 14 others had been admitted with symptoms. The latest admissions have significantly increased both confirmed and suspected cases.

To manage the situation, a separate corner has been set up in the children's ward to isolate affected patients.

However, doctors said there is now a shortage of beds due to the growing number of patients, with multiple children in some cases being treated on a single bed.

Doctors at the paediatrics department said most of the infected children are under 15 months of age. Some are below six months, meaning they are not yet eligible for vaccination.

They said measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through coughing and sneezing. Common symptoms include fever, cold, cough, red eyes, and rashes. In severe cases, complications such as pneumonia can occur.

Dr Khadija Akhi, who is in charge of the World Health Organization surveillance team in the Chattogram region, said samples from admitted children have been collected and sent to Dhaka.

Results are expected within two to three days, after which further steps will be taken through the civil surgeon.

Dr Jannatul Adam, assistant registrar of the paediatrics department and physician overseeing the patients, said affected children are being given oxygen support and will be shifted to the intensive care unit if their condition worsens.

"Children suffering from measles and pneumonia are always at risk. Due to the bed shortage in the children's ward, treatment is being provided by keeping two patients per bed. Since many of the infected are newborns, they have not reached the age for the measles vaccine. One child has received a single dose of the vaccine," she said.

Chattogram Civil Surgeon Dr Jahangir Alam said 40 samples have been collected and sent to Dhaka so far.

"Among these, measles was identified in two individuals two days ago. More samples were collected and sent yesterday," he said.