Four children died with measles-like symptoms, and 23 others infected with the disease have been admitted to the hospitals in Bandarban, Rajshahi, and Rangpur in the last 24 hours.
Two children died with symptoms resembling measles in Alikadam upazila of Bandarban while six others have been admitted to the Upazila Health Complex.
The deceased were identified as Jong Rung Mro (3 months), daughter of Leng Klang Mro, and Khotong Mro (7 months), son of Lukun Mro Both were residents of Ringlot Para in Ward No 7 under Kurukpata Union.
Dr Md Hasan, Residential Medical Officer at Alikadam Upazila Health Complex, confirmed the death but could not provide the names of the six hospitalized children.
He stated that six children are currently receiving treatment with measles-like symptoms, all from Kurukpata Union. He added that a team of four health workers has been sent to the affected area, and based on symptoms, the cases are strongly suspected to be measles. Samples from the infected children have been sent to Dhaka for laboratory testing.
Another child died with measles-like symptoms at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. The death occurred between 8:00 am on Wednesday and 8:00 am on Thursday. During the 24-hour period, 11 more children were admitted to the hospital with similar symptoms.
The information was confirmed on Thursday by the hospital’s spokesperson, Dr Shankar Kumar Biswas. According to him, a total of 145 children were undergoing treatment for measles symptoms at the hospital as of Thursday morning.
With the latest fatality, the total number of child deaths at RMCH due to such symptoms has risen to 51.
Over the past 24 hours, another child receiving treatment for measles symptoms died at Rangpur Medical College Hospital. Six more children were also admitted with measles on Thursday, bringing the total number of infected children to 18
The number of children infected with measles continues to rise in the Rangpur region, as vaccination efforts have yet to begin.
Relatives have expressed strong dissatisfaction, stating that measles is a highly contagious disease, and placing multiple infected children in the same bed increases the risk of further spread.
However, Hospital Director Brigadier General Ashiqur Rahman stated that a medical board has been formed to oversee the treatment of measles patients and that they are receiving round-the-clock care.
