At least seven children have died from measles across Barishal division between January and March this year, as infections surge.
During the same period, 206 children were diagnosed with the highly contagious viral disease, while 77 are currently undergoing treatment at government hospitals in the division.
Most of the infections and deaths have been reported recently, said Shyamal Krishna Mondal, divisional director of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) in Barishal.
Health authorities said there is a shortage of measles vaccines in Bhola district, although adequate stocks are available in the other five districts of the division.
According to data, Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital, the main referral facility in the division, admitted 130 measles-infected children over the past three months. Of them, 89 cases were reported in March alone.
On Monday noon, 34 measles patients were seen receiving treatment at the hospital.
A child named Omar from Banaripara in Barishal died at the hospital on Friday. Another child died from measles on Monday morning, though hospital authority could not immediately provide details.
Rahima Talukdar, a resident of Karnakathi area in Barishal Sadar, said her nine-month-old daughter was admitted to the hospital a week ago.
“Initially it seemed like a fever, but doctors later diagnosed it as measles. The hospital authorities then isolated her from other child patients. The treatment here is fairly good,” she said.
Director of Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital, Brig Gen Dr AKM Moshiul Munir, said measles vaccination is usually administered at nine months of age.
“However, we are now seeing infections even among seven-month-old infants. We have adequate vaccine supplies at the hospital. There was a bed shortage in the ward, but it has been resolved,” he said, adding that the hospital is providing the highest level of care.
Shyamal Krishna Mondal said measles is highly contagious and spreads quickly through coughing and sneezing.
“Infection can occur even by staying in the same room with an infected person. People should remain cautious and ensure children’s safety instead of panicking,” he said, urging awareness among people of all ages.