A troubling pattern is emerging in hospitals across Bangladesh, where children infected with measles are being discharged before full recovery, only to fall sick again within days and require readmission, doctors say.
Health experts warn that premature discharge and inadequate post-treatment care are driving a surge in complications, including pneumonia, diarrhoea, malnutrition and secondary infections.
At the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Mohakhali, cases of relapse are becoming increasingly common.
Seven-month-old Arian, from Hazaribagh, was discharged after mild symptoms but returned within days with worsening condition. After multiple hospital visits, he is now back in the same hospital, suffering from severe cough, weakness and measles-related complications.
Due to a shortage of beds, he is being treated in a corridor.
Doctors say such cases reflect a broader systemic issue.
“It should not be that fever subsides and the patient is sent home,” said hospital superintendent Dr FA Asma Khan.
“Children must only be discharged after full recovery.”
Complications worsening outcomes
Medical experts explain that measles weakens the immune system, leaving children vulnerable to serious complications.
The disease typically begins with fever, followed by rash and the “three Cs” -- cough, coryza and conjunctivitis. These symptoms can quickly escalate.
“With persistent cough and fever, pneumonia can develop. Eye infections can even lead to blindness,” Dr Asma Khan said, stressing the importance of vitamin A supplementation.
She added that mouth ulcers and weakness reduce food intake, leading to malnutrition, while scratching rashes can trigger bacterial infections.
Pressure on hospitals
Hospitals across Dhaka are facing mounting pressure.
At the Infectious Diseases Hospital, 63 patients are currently admitted, with 21 new suspected cases recorded in the last 24 hours.
At DNCC Hospital, the situation is even more severe. Since March 15, around 850 patients have been treated, with 280 currently admitted and 37 in intensive care.
Hospital officials say many patients arrive after visiting multiple facilities, often in critical condition.
“Malnourished children are at higher risk, and delayed treatment makes complications worse,” said DNCC administrative officer Asif Haider.
Misconceptions add to crisis
Doctors also warn against confusion over reinfection.
While measles itself does not occur twice, weakened immunity can lead to other infections that mimic similar symptoms, including rashes and fever.
“Not every rash after measles is a second infection,” said public health expert Dr Tajul Islam Bari. “Laboratory testing is essential to confirm diagnosis.”
He cautioned that measles can have long-term effects, including damage to the nervous system and risk of blindness or death.
Growing national concern
According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), more than 12,000 suspected measles cases and over 2,200 confirmed infections have been reported between March 15 and Thursday.
During this period, 143 deaths were recorded among suspected cases and 23 among confirmed cases.
In the last 24 hours alone, 1,187 suspected cases and 642 confirmed infections were reported, along with multiple deaths.
Doctors stress that ensuring full recovery and proper post-discharge care is critical to preventing relapse.
They recommend continued breastfeeding, nutritious food, vitamin A supplementation and strict hygiene practices.
“Measles is not just a short illness,” Dr Bari said. “If not managed properly, its effects can be long-lasting and even life-threatening.”
As cases continue to rise, experts warn that without improved care and awareness, the cycle of early discharge and readmission could further strain the country’s already burdened healthcare system.