The ongoing surge in measles infections is posing heightened risks for children with underlying health conditions, with doctors warning that such patients are far more likely to develop severe and potentially life-threatening complications.
Medical experts say children suffering from illnesses such as pneumonia, diarrhoea, tuberculosis, seizures, chickenpox or congenital heart disease face significantly greater danger if infected with measles.
Those with weakened immune systems or chronic conditions are particularly vulnerable.
Hospitals under pressure
A visit to the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Mohakhali reveals the scale of the crisis.
All wards in the seven-storey facility are currently full, with measles patients occupying not only designated beds but also ICU, HDU and wards meant for other diseases.
Hospital authorities said that although only eight beds are officially allocated for measles patients, the number of admissions has far exceeded capacity.
Due to the shortage of beds, many children are being treated on the floor.
The surge has placed severe strain on healthcare services while also increasing the risk of further infection within hospital settings.
Complications driving severity
Doctors say measles itself is rarely fatal, but complications significantly increase the risk of death.
Dr Shreebas Pal of the Infectious Diseases Hospital said around 90% of measles patients develop pneumonia, while 60–70% suffer from diarrhoea and nearly half experience conjunctivitis.
“Most deaths are not caused by measles alone, but by complications such as diarrhoea and other associated conditions,” he said.
Cases highlight growing concern
The condition of nine-month-old Arifa, currently undergoing treatment at the Mohakhali hospital, reflects the severity of such complications.
Her mother said the child was first diagnosed with an infection months earlier, later developing pneumonia.
After receiving treatment in Patuakhali and Barisal, she was referred to Dhaka when her condition worsened.
Arifa is now suffering from breathing difficulties and is receiving oxygen and saline support.
Although her pneumonia had initially improved, it was followed by measles, complicating her recovery.
At Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute in Shyamoli, the situation is similar.
The measles ward is fully occupied, with all 18 beds filled.
One-year-old Samiul Islam is in critical condition, struggling with severe respiratory distress. He is on oxygen support and saline.
Family members said he was born with a congenital heart defect and did not receive routine vaccinations on medical advice.
After initially falling ill with fever and cold, his condition deteriorated and he was referred to Dhaka.
Doctors said his weakened immunity, combined with measles and pneumonia, has made his condition more severe.
Immunity key to protection
Health experts say measles weakens the immune system, making children more susceptible to other infections and complications.
Dr Shaidur Rahman of Dhaka Medical College Hospital said the disease reduces immunity and increases the risk of malnutrition, further worsening outcomes for children already suffering from other illnesses.
“Children with pneumonia, diarrhoea or chronic diseases are more likely to develop complications,” he said.
Assistant Professor of Paediatrics Dr ASM Mahmuduzzaman said inadequate breastfeeding can also increase vulnerability.
He explained that infants typically receive some protection through breast milk in the first six months of life, which is why measles vaccines are scheduled at nine and 15 months.
“Children who do not receive adequate breast milk have weaker immunity and are at higher risk,” he said.
He added that children with conditions such as seizures, cancer or other long-term illnesses are also more susceptible due to compromised immunity.
Doctors warn that the current surge, combined with hospital overcrowding and low immunity among vulnerable children, could lead to more severe cases if not addressed quickly.
They stress that early treatment, proper nutrition and timely vaccination remain critical to reducing complications and preventing further escalation of the outbreak.