Outside vaccine coverage: Most measles-infected children in Jashore under 9 months old

Most children infected with measles in Jashore are under nine months old – an age group not eligible for vaccination – raising growing concern among health officials.

According to health authorities, children below nine months are not eligible for measles vaccination under national guidelines and are expected to receive protection through maternal immunity. However, why many are not getting that protection remains a subject requiring further research. Meanwhile, children above nine months who have been infected were found to be unvaccinated.

Data from the district Civil Surgeon's Office shows that 89 samples were recently sent to the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh laboratory for testing, of which 21 returned positive for measles. Among those infected, 17 were under nine months old, while the rest were above one year of age.

Over the past two months, more than 200 children have sought treatment with measles-like symptoms at Jashore 250-bed General Hospital and the Children's Hospital. In March alone, at least 10 children were confirmed to have measles. No deaths have been reported so far. At the same time, cases of chickenpox have also increased.

A visit to the isolation ward of Jashore General Hospital today (30 March) revealed that patients with diarrhoea, measles, and chickenpox were being treated against a capacity of just five beds. Although only two beds are designated for measles patients, five were admitted, forcing hospital authorities to treat many patients on the floor. A similar situation was observed at the Children's Hospital, where measles patients are being treated in a separate ward amid rising numbers.

Rahima Khatun from the Birampur area said, "My son is 11 months old. He could not be vaccinated against measles due to illness. He has been sick for 12 days. Initially, he was admitted with cold-related symptoms, but later he was diagnosed with measles."

Julia Khatun from the Shasthitala area said, "My 15-month-old daughter did not receive the measles-rubella vaccine as we lost her vaccination card. I admitted her with a fever and red rashes. Doctors confirmed she has measles."

Ujjal Das from Monirampur said his eight-month-old daughter developed fever and rashes and was first taken to a private clinic before being referred to the Children's Hospital on suspicion of measles.

Acting superintendent of Jashore General Hospital Dr Hossain Shafayet said, "Measles patients are being treated in the hospital's isolation ward. Currently, three children are admitted. All necessary treatment preparations are in place."

Deputy Civil Surgeon Dr Nazmus Sadik Russell said the health department remains on alert amid fears of a measles outbreak in the district. 

"Instructions have already been given to prepare isolation wards in all government hospitals. Parents have been advised not to send children to school if they show symptoms such as fever and rashes, and to seek medical advice promptly," he said.

He added that children are scheduled to receive measles vaccines at 10 and 15 months, which leaves many vulnerable before reaching vaccination age. Key symptoms include high fever (up to 104°F), severe cough, runny nose, red eyes, and reddish skin rashes.

Health officials have urged guardians to seek immediate medical attention if such symptoms appear.