Measles outbreak in Ctg persists, 9 wards identified as hotspots, adults also infected

Highlights

• 1,440 suspected measles patients admitted districtwide so far
• Six young adults, including intern doctor, undergoing treatment at CMCH
• Around 130 children under treatment at CMCH, 15 in ICU
• Pneumonia and breathing complications increasing among infected children
• 251 measles patients currently hospitalised across the district
• 115 measles cases confirmed through laboratory testing so far

The measles outbreak in Chattogram is showing no signs of slowing down, with the World Health Organization (WHO) identifying nine city wards as hotspots. Health officials and hospital authorities said adults, alongside children, are also being infected.

According to Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH) Director Brigadier General Mohammad Taslim Uddin, six patients aged between 14 and 24 with measles symptoms are currently undergoing treatment at the hospital. Among them is a 25-year-old intern doctor who contracted measles while treating infected patients.

WHO Surveillance and Immunisation Medical Officer (SIMO) for the Chattogram City Corporation area Khadija Ahmed told TBS that the identified hotspot wards are Jalalabad (No 2), Chandgaon (No 4), North Pahartali (No 9), Lal Khan Bazar (No 14), East Bakalia (No 18), Alkaran (No 31), South Middle Halishahar (No 38), South Halishahar (No 39), and North Patenga (No 40).

"According to WHO guidelines, Bangladesh is currently experiencing a measles outbreak. Not only children, but adults are now being infected as well," she said.

Health officials said densely populated and industrial areas are seeing higher transmission rates, particularly in the Bandar-Patenga, Sadarghat-Alkaran-Kotwali and Bakalia areas.

Experts said vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure. Authorities have also advised people to avoid mass gatherings, maintain hygiene during coughing and sneezing, wash hands regularly and wear masks.

According to CMCH data, most children currently admitted to hospital had another infected child in the family days earlier. Later, more children from the same households were also hospitalised.

Doctors said many infected children are developing complications, including pneumonia and breathing difficulties. However, those who receive treatment early are recovering comparatively faster.

Meanwhile, measles outbreaks have also been reported in several areas across the country, particularly Kutubdia, Maheshkhali, Cox's Bazar, Chandpur and Satkania, from where many patients are being referred.

Professor Dr Mohammad Musa, head of the paediatrics department at CMCH, said, "Following the outbreak, the number of child admissions and deaths has increased. In most cases, pneumonia and other complications are making conditions severe."

CMCH Director Taslim Uddin said around 130 children are currently undergoing treatment at the hospital, including 15 in the ICU. New patients are being admitted every day, he added.

According to the latest data published by the Chattogram Civil Surgeon's Office yesterday, a total of 1,440 suspected measles patients have been admitted to hospitals in the district so far. Of them, 1,375 were admitted in Chattogram city and 65 in 15 upazilas.

Laboratory tests have so far confirmed 115 measles cases in the district – 71 in the city and 44 in upazilas.

The data showed that 251 patients were currently hospitalised across the district as of yesterday, including 250 in the city and one in upazilas. So far, 1,189 patients have been discharged after treatment.

Seven suspected measles-related deaths have been reported, including four in the city and three in upazilas. However, only one death – of an upazila resident – has been confirmed as caused by measles.

According to sample testing data, a total of 937 samples have been collected in the district, including 779 from the city and 158 from upazilas.

However, hospital figures on measles and pneumonia-related deaths do not match official government data. Doctors said deaths are not officially recorded as measles-related without laboratory confirmation, although many patients showed measles symptoms.