Measles cases rise in Ctg, Sylhet as infections spread among children

Concerns are mounting over a rise in measles infections in Chattogram and Sylhet, with hospitals in the two regions reporting an increasing number of infected children, many of them below the age eligible for vaccination.

At Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH), at least 10 children have been confirmed with measles, while a total of 14 children are currently undergoing treatment with symptoms of measles and measles-related pneumonia, according to doctors. 

Hospital authorities have set up a separate corner in the children's ward to isolate suspected measles patients and prevent further transmission. Most of the infected children are under 15 months of age, including infants below six months.

Professor Dr Mohammad Musa Mia, head of the paediatrics department at CMCH, yesterday (29 March) said suspected cases are initially identified based on symptoms and later confirmed through laboratory tests. 

Samples from admitted children have been sent to Dhaka for confirmation, with results expected within a few days, said Dr Khadija Akhi of the WHO surveillance team.

Hospital Director Brig Gen Mohammad Taslim Uddin said it is not yet confirmed whether all infected children have measles, but precautionary steps have been taken, including temporarily converting the dengue ward into a measles unit.

Doctors said many of the infected children are receiving oxygen support, and critically ill patients may be shifted to the ICU if their condition deteriorates. Due to a shortage of beds, more than one child is being treated on the same bed.

12 children hospitalised in Sylhet

Meanwhile, a similar situation is unfolding in Sylhet, where at least 12 children are currently hospitalised with measles, according to health officials. 

Authorities say new cases are being reported daily, raising concerns about a wider outbreak, UNB reported.

Deputy Civil Surgeon Dr Janmejoy Dutta said some infected children in Sylhet are as young as five to six months old and are not yet eligible for vaccination. In some cases, children have contracted the disease despite receiving the measles vaccine, prompting the health department to launch a special investigation.

Health experts warned that measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through coughing and sneezing. Initial symptoms include fever, cold, cough and red eyes, followed by a rash. While the illness often resolves within two weeks, complications such as pneumonia, diarrhoea, eye infections and, in rare cases, encephalitis or organ failure can occur.

Health officials said several of the infected children had recently travelled or visited crowded places, which may have contributed to the rapid spread. Children who missed vaccination are at higher risk, while preventing infection among those not yet eligible for vaccines remains a major challenge.

The Sylhet health department is preparing to launch a special MR vaccination campaign targeting children aged nine months to five years, particularly in high-risk areas. The campaign is expected to begin soon.

Health experts advised parents to keep infected children away from crowded places, ensure proper nutrition, hydration and rest, and seek medical care if complications arise. They also stressed isolating infected children and completing vaccination on time.