A 10-month-old child with symptoms consistent with measles died at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital in the last 24 hours till 9:00am on Thursday, taking the total number of child deaths at the facility to 16 this year.
During the period, 27 new suspected measles patients were admitted, while 47 others were discharged after recovery. Currently, 65 children are receiving treatment.
The child, who passed away, was admitted to the hospital’s isolation ward on April 18 from Trishal upazila with measles-like symptoms. He died on Wednesday night due to pneumonia and respiratory failure, said Associate Professor Dr Mohammad Golam Mawla, focal person of the measles isolation ward.
Since March 17, a total of 748 children have been admitted with symptoms consistent with measles. Of them, 667 have recovered and returned home, while 16 have died.
Due to a shortage of beds in the isolation ward, many patients are being treated on the floor and in hospital verandas.
Assistant Director (Administration) Dr Mohammad Mainuddin Khan said three medical teams have been formed to manage the situation and ensure treatment for all patients.
He, however, noted that a lack of manpower and equipment has prevented the launch of ICU for children at the hospital.
Currently, Bubble CPAP support is being used to treat critically ill children.