Measles infections are rising at an alarming rate across the country, with adults increasingly joining children among those infected.
Health experts say many cases are developing complications such as pneumonia, lung infections, breathing difficulties and other severe conditions. Patients from different districts are being admitted to hospitals in Dhaka, and doctors say they have not previously seen measles spreading among adults on such a scale.
A large number of patients admitted to DNCC Hospital in Mohakhali are coming from outside the capital. Hospital authorities said they have sought assistance from the Directorate General of Health Services as pressure on the facility continues to mount.
DNCC Hospital physician Dr Asif Haider said: “One-third of the infected patients are from areas within Dhaka City Corporation, while three-quarters are coming from outside the city corporation area. Patients are arriving from places including Kamrangirchar, Narayanganj and Gazipur.”
Munni, 34, from Savar, developed a fever a week ago. As her condition worsened, she was admitted to a local hospital. During four days of treatment there, she developed cough, sore throat, cold symptoms and body aches. A day after returning home, measles rashes appeared on her body, followed by breathing difficulties, diarrhea and vomiting.
As her condition deteriorated further, she was admitted to DNCC Hospital. Tests also detected typhoid and a throat infection. She was shifted to the ICU on the night of Wednesday after her condition worsened. Following four consecutive days in intensive care, she was transferred to a ward Saturday morning. She remains weak, continues to suffer from body pain and is still undergoing treatment.
Similarly, Muhaiminul, from Tangail, was first admitted to Kumudini Hospital after developing a fever. Doctors there suspected measles. After rashes appeared, he was admitted to a hospital in Kaliakair. He was later referred to Dhaka but could not secure admission despite visiting several hospitals. He was eventually admitted to DNCC Hospital in Mohakhali.
His wife, Ayesha Akhtar, said: “His condition is very bad. He cannot eat anything; whenever he eats, he vomits. His whole body is covered in rashes. His eyes are swollen and red, and sometimes he experiences blurred vision.”
Rupa, from Pabna, is also undergoing treatment at DNCC Hospital. After a family member contracted measles, she stayed with the patient in hospital for a day. After returning home, she developed fever, cold symptoms and cough, followed by measles the next day. After visiting several hospitals, she was admitted to DNCC Hospital on Thursday.
She is currently suffering from breathing difficulties and is receiving oxygen support. She is unable to take food or medicine and continues to experience persistent vomiting.
Public health virologist Dr Mahbuba Jamila said: “Earlier, such a high number of measles cases among adults was not seen. Even when cases occurred, they were very rare. Now infections among adults are being detected at a much higher rate.”
She said weakened immunity, lack of vaccination in childhood and inadequate immune response after vaccination are contributing to the rise in infections. Adults can also become infected through contact with infected individuals.
To prevent measles, she recommended maintaining proper hygiene, eating nutritious food and staying in well-ventilated environments.
Public health and vaccination expert Dr Tajul Islam Bari said: “Adults are now also becoming infected. They should receive vaccination as well. Even if someone was vaccinated in childhood, a booster dose may later become necessary because no vaccine is 100% effective. Measles is a highly contagious disease. Anyone can become infected through an infected person’s sneeze, cough or respiratory droplets.”
He added: “Among adults who received vaccination in childhood, the risk of measles is lower, but that does not mean infection is impossible. The virus can remain active in the air, environment or on surfaces for some time. It may remain active for up to two hours, with the highest transmission risk occurring within 30 to 40 minutes. Anyone staying in that environment or using contaminated items may become infected. Sharing items such as drinking glasses can also spread the disease.”
He further said: “Earlier, measles was mostly seen among children and only rarely among adults. Now infections among adults are increasing. One possible reason is gaps in vaccination coverage and weakened immunity among many individuals. Adults should consider vaccination. The first dose should be taken, followed by a second dose after an interval of one month.”