Nineteen children showing symptoms consistent with measles were admitted to the Chapainawabganj district hospital over a 24-hour period from 12:00am on Tuesday to 12:00am on Wednesday.

Hospital sources said children with fever, rash, and cold-like symptoms continue to arrive every day, putting pressure on the 250-bed district hospital.

Authorities have already opened an isolation corner to manage the situation, but overcrowding has forced some children to receive treatment on the floor due to a shortage of beds.

During the 24-hour period, 44 children recovered and were discharged, while three serious cases were referred to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment.

At present, 75 children remain admitted at the hospital with similar symptoms.

Since January this year, a total of 721 children have received treatment at the hospital with measles-like symptoms, and four deaths have been reported during this period.

Resident Medical Officer Dr Abdus Samad of the hospital said not all cases have been confirmed as measles. In many cases, heat-related rashes along with fever and cold symptoms are being mistaken for measles, causing panic among guardians.

He advised that hospital admission is not necessary for every suspected case, urging parents to seek doctor advice and manage mild cases at home if possible, given the ongoing bed shortage.