United News of Bangladesh

Measles cases are rising in parts of Bangladesh including Dhaka with hospitals reporting increased admissions and child deaths. At the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Mohakhali, Dhaka, once dedicated to Covid-19 patients, beds are now occupied by children admitted with measles symptoms. In March alone, more than 20 children have died from measles at the hospital, said Dr Sribas Pal. Dr Sribas Pal said children with measles symptoms are being admitted daily. Currently, over a hundred children are undergoing treatment there while more than 500 children have been admitted in March alone. Outside Dhaka, the situation is worsening in the Rajshahi division. In March, nearly 50 children died from measles in Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, and Pabna districts, said Divisional Health Director Habibur Rahman. At Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, around 50 new child patients with measles symptoms are being admitted every day, he said. Habibur Rahman said separate isolation centres are being set up in all hospitals across the division to manage the growing caseload. He said about 31 percent of tested children showing symptoms have been confirmed with measles. Hospital sources said 29 children died from measles at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital in March. Initially, limited isolation facilities were arranged but authorities are now scaling up preparations due to the increasing number of patients, said paediatric specialist Shahida Yasmin. The outbreak is also spreading in Khulna, Sylhet, and several other regions, heightening anxiety among parents. Many are questioning why the disease once nearly eradicated has resurfaced so aggressively. Three-year-old Junaira Rahman from Mugda in Dhaka developed high fever and cough in early February. Her father, Wasim Rahman, initially assumed it was a common illness. However, within days, red rashes spread across her body, accompanied by breathing difficulties. “We never imagined it could be measles. Even after giving fever medicine, her condition worsened. Doctors later confirmed measles, and they were also surprised at the sudden infection,” he said. While Junaira recovered after about a week and a half of treatment, many children have not been as fortunate. Complications such as pneumonia and diarrhoea have made treatment more challenging, leading to fatalities. Green Life Medical College Paediatrician Rawatun Nabi said measles is caused by a viral infection that weakens the immune system. “Since the virus affects the respiratory tract, it can lead to pneumonia. In many cases, children also develop diarrhoea. Vitamin A deficiency worsens the condition, making children increasingly lethargic.” Doctors said delayed hospital visits due to a lack of awareness among parents is a major concern. Many children are brought in only after developing severe complications like pneumonia, making recovery more difficult. They also warned that measles can cause vitamin A deficiency, leading to clouding of the cornea and vision problems. Even if a child survives, lack of proper treatment may result in long-term visual impairment. Although measles had remained largely under control for decades, it is now resurging nationwide. According to UNICEF Bangladesh, measles vaccination programmes were disrupted during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2019–2020. Although vaccination resumed in June 2020 and continued until January 2021, followed by routine immunisation through 2024, coverage gaps still remain. Health Ministry data show over 80 percent of children receive measles vaccines annually. Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain said no major nationwide measles vaccination campaign has been conducted in the past eight years, contributing to the current outbreak. Speaking to reporters on Monday, he said, “The government has allocated Tk 604 crore to procure vaccines. We expect to collect vaccines through UNICEF and distribute them to hospitals by April.” He added that emergency steps are underway, including expanding ICU facilities, supplying ventilators, and establishing specialised wards. “The government has taken all necessary measures. While there may be some supply gaps at the field level, there is no actual shortage of vaccines in the country. A nationwide campaign in June aims to bring 20 million children under vaccination coverage. Routine immunisation will also continue,” the minister said, urging parents to remain cautious but not panic. Health Secretary Quamruzzaman Chowdhury said the government has already paid UNICEF for vaccine procurement and is awaiting final approval. Once cleared, vaccines will be imported swiftly by April, he said. Typically, the first dose of the measles vaccine is administered at nine months of age, followed by a second dose at 15 months. During mass campaigns, children aged between nine months and 10 years are vaccinated. The health ministry is also considering lowering the minimum age for vaccination to curb the spread of the disease further.