Over 100 child deaths linked to measles, pneumonia at CMCH in 2 months

More than 100 children have died at Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH) over the past two months from complications linked to measles and pneumonia, according to hospital sources, with around 70 deaths recorded in the last month alone.

The hospital's measles ward has become overwhelmed amid a continuous influx of patients. Although authorities have added 50 extra beds to ease the pressure, the hospital is still struggling to accommodate the growing number of children requiring treatment.

As of this afternoon (11 May), 86 children were admitted to the measles ward, while 15 critically ill patients were undergoing treatment at the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).

Doctors said a large number of infected children are suffering from malnutrition, while many are developing complications such as breathing difficulties, pneumonia and seizures. Physicians also noted that a significant portion of admitted children had not received full vaccination.

The paediatric wards are also facing mounting pressure from pneumonia patients. Hospital sources said doctors are often forced to place two to three children in a single bed, while some patients are being treated on the floor because of the shortage of beds.

Asked about measles-related fatalities, Professor Dr Mohammad Musa, head of the Department of Paediatrics at Chittagong Medical College Hospital, said the hospital records a death as measles-related only after laboratory confirmation.

He, however, said around 70 children died in the past month from pneumonia and related complications, many of whom had symptoms consistent with measles.

"If we consider the period since the beginning of the outbreak, around 130 to 140 children have died over the past two months," he said.

"Under normal circumstances, the paediatrics department at CMCH records around 50 child deaths on average from pneumonia and various other illnesses. However, since the measles outbreak spread, the death rate has comparatively increased," he added.

Brigadier General Mohammad Taslim Uddin, director of Chittagong Medical College Hospital, said measles outbreaks have been reported in different parts of Chattogram and nearby districts.

Areas such as Kutubdia, Moheshkhali, Cox's Bazar, Chandpur and Satkania have been identified as hotspots, with most patients coming from those areas, he said.

Regarding measles-related deaths, he said, "Some children died while suspected or infected with measles. Among them, three were laboratory-confirmed positive cases."

Doctors stressed that ensuring regular vaccination and raising awareness among parents are crucial to containing the outbreak. They also advised guardians to seek immediate medical attention if children develop fever, breathing difficulties or other serious complications