Although Bangladesh’s measles outbreak has begun to slow, doctors at Bangladesh Shishu Hospital say they are now treating more children suffering from post-measles complications than active measles infections, with pneumonia, diarrhea, and other secondary illnesses keeping many young patients hospitalized weeks after they recover from the virus.
Hospital physicians say measles leaves children’s immune systems significantly weakened, making them vulnerable to serious complications that often require extended treatment even after the infection itself has cleared.
“At present, we are seeing more post-measles patients than newly infected measles patients. Most of them are suffering from pneumonia and diarrhea,” said Dr Antora, resident medical officer (RMO) of the hospital’s measles ward.
“When children develop pneumonia or other illnesses after measles, recovery takes longer because their immune systems remain significantly weakened,” she said.
Although the outbreak has eased, new patients continue to arrive every day, she said, adding that most children admitted to the hospital come from districts outside Dhaka and that the majority have not received the measles vaccine.
Dr Antora said vaccinated children can still become infected, but they generally experience milder illness and fewer complications.
“Many children return to the hospital after recovering from measles with pneumonia, fever, cough, and other respiratory illnesses. Although the measles infection has resolved, we cannot discharge them because of these complications. Measles weakens the immune system, making them vulnerable to secondary infections,” she added.
Families struggle with prolonged treatment
Eight-month-old Rifat has been admitted to Bangladesh Shishu Hospital for the past 10 days after his condition worsened following an initial misdiagnosis at a local hospital in Barisal.
He first developed fever, cough, a runny nose, and a rash. Doctors at the local hospital suspected an allergy and prescribed anti-allergy medication. However, his condition deteriorated, with the rash spreading across his hands, feet, face, eyes, and joints.
Rifat was later admitted to Barisal District Hospital before being referred to a hospital in Dhaka. Unable to locate the referred facility, his family brought him to Bangladesh Shishu Hospital instead.
His treatment has already cost the family nearly Tk50,000.
Rifat’s mother said the family has no relatives in Dhaka and is struggling financially after her husband, who works at a furniture store, stopped working to care for their son.
“Although Rifat has recovered from measles, he is still suffering from pneumonia and diarrhea. He still needs oxygen support, and his breathing remains difficult,” she said, adding that the family has no idea when he will be able to return home.
In the same ward, 11-month-old Zayan from Faridpur has been receiving treatment for nearly a week after battling illness for almost a month.
His mother said he initially developed fever and vomiting. Although he improved after receiving treatment from a local pharmacy, the fever returned a few days later and persisted for around 10 days before his condition suddenly worsened.
He was first admitted to Faridpur Sadar Hospital before being referred to Dhaka, where he was admitted to Bangladesh Shishu Hospital last Thursday.
Although his measles infection has subsided, he continues to suffer from pneumonia and requires oxygen support. He also has a cold and cough.
His mother said she also contracted measles while caring for her son. Although both have recovered from the infection, neither has been discharged because of pneumonia and diarrhea.
Experts warn of weakened immunity
Public health expert and vaccine specialist Dr Tajul Islam M A Bari said measles significantly suppresses children’s immune systems, leaving them susceptible to pneumonia, diarrhea, eye infections, and neurological complications.
“After recovering from measles, children should be given nutritious food, especially vitamin A-rich foods, while proper hygiene must be maintained. Infants under six months should continue to be breastfed, and children who have not yet received the measles vaccine should be vaccinated without delay,” he said.
He added that, where necessary, vaccinated children could also be assessed to determine whether they had developed adequate immunity.
Dr Antora likewise urged parents to continue providing special care after hospital discharge, including nutritious food, proper hygiene, and close monitoring during recovery.
Death toll reaches 750
Meanwhile, three more children died with measles symptoms in the past 24 hours, raising the total number of deaths from confirmed and suspected measles since March 15 to 753, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
According to the DGHS, one of the three children was from Dhaka, one from Barisal, and one from Sylhet. No confirmed measles deaths were recorded during the reporting period.
The health agency also reported 128 new confirmed measles cases and 901 new suspected cases over the past 24 hours.
Since March 15, the number of suspected measles cases has reached 109,899.
DGHS data also shows that 92,831 patients with measles symptoms have been admitted to hospitals during the period, while 89,234 have recovered and been discharged.