The outbreak of measles in Rangpur Division has intensified at an alarming rate, with the number of infected children exceeding 150 across the region, sparking widespread concern among residents.
On Thursday, two more children died while undergoing treatment at Rangpur Medical College Hospital after being admitted with symptoms of measles. In the last 24 hours alone, six additional children were admitted to the hospital.
Currently, 10 children are receiving treatment in the hospital’s isolation ward, while more than 100 others suffering from pneumonia, respiratory distress and related complications are being treated in the paediatric wards.
According to the control room of the Rangpur Divisional Health Directorate, measles infections among children are rising rapidly across all eight districts of the division. In response, health authorities have decided to launch a vaccination campaign for children starting Sunday in an effort to contain the outbreak.
As measles is highly contagious, the hospital has arranged treatment for infected children in a small room next to the paediatric ward with only six beds. Due to a severe shortage of space, several children are being treated in overcrowded conditions. In some cases, one child is being treated on the floor while three others are receiving care outside the ward.
After visiting the hospital, it was found that more than 100 children suffering from breathing difficulties, cold, fever and pneumonia are currently being treated in Paediatric Wards 9 and 10. Due to a shortage of beds, two to three children are often accommodated on a single bed.
Azmeri Begum, who brought her nine-month-old child from Jaldhaka in Nilphamari, said two children have to share one bed because of the lack of space. Mothers are often forced to stand or sit on the floor amid the overcrowded conditions.
Masuma Begum from Nageshwari in Kurigram voiced similar concerns, urging authorities to establish a new isolation ward to handle the growing number of patients.
Meanwhile, the condition of two children infected with measles is reported to be critical.
Doctors say the disease is often difficult to confirm until the characteristic rashes appear on the body. However, many children are showing symptoms consistent with measles, including high fever, cold and respiratory distress.
Dr Khalid, the physician in charge of the isolation ward, said the current situation has largely resulted from irregular measles vaccination over the past two years. Most of the infected children are between five months and one year old.
Dr Kamruzzaman Taj, Chief Health Officer of Rangpur, said blood samples from 15 children have been tested so far, and measles infection has been confirmed in seven cases. He urged parents to take their children to hospital immediately if they develop symptoms such as fever, cold, breathing difficulties or skin rashes.