Although measles infections have declined slightly, concern is mounting over the growing number of children suffering from post-measles complications. Doctors say weakened immunity caused by measles is leaving children increasingly vulnerable to diseases such as pneumonia and diarrhea, while malnutrition has emerged as a major concern.
According to physicians, one of the most alarming issues is that antibiotics are proving ineffective in many cases. Even after recovering from measles, many children are developing serious complications.
Public health experts say that although infections have decreased somewhat due to routine immunization programmes, complications are rising. Doctors report that a child’s immune system remains significantly weakened for three to six months after measles infection. During this period, infections such as adenovirus can easily attack the body, making pneumonia and diarrhea more severe.
Nutritionists say 65% of children in the country do not receive the minimum required nutritious food. Malnutrition significantly increases complications among measles-affected children. During infection, children also lose vital nutrients such as vitamin A and zinc.
According to official statistics, around 18% of children miss routine immunization every year, putting them at high risk of infection. Experts have also warned that the lack of timely vitamin A supplementation and inadequate breastfeeding up to two years of age significantly weaken children’s immunity.
Hospital data shows that 455 patients received treatment at the outpatient department of DNCC Hospital in the last 24 hours. Since March 15, a total of 4,329 patients have been admitted, while 455 patients are currently undergoing treatment.
During the same period, 128 new patients were admitted and 125 were discharged. One death was also reported in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of deaths from measles and measles-like symptoms to 22.
Seven-month-old Humaira from Chandpur first developed a fever that gradually rose from 100°F to 104°F. She was admitted to Chandpur Sadar Hospital, where a rash appeared after four days and diarrhea soon followed. After several days of treatment, her condition worsened and she was referred to Dhaka.
She was later admitted to DNCC Hospital in Mohakhali. Two days later, as her condition deteriorated further, she was shifted to the ICU. After four days of intensive care, her condition improved slightly and she was moved back to the ward.
Her mother said the child suffered from fever, vomiting, diarrhea and breathing difficulties. Although the fever and rash subsided, pneumonia persists and the diarrhea has not fully stopped. Doctors said she would require several more days of treatment.
Six-month-old Omar Faruk from Keraniganj is also suffering from similar complications. His father said the child had a fever for 10 days, while a rash appeared on the third day. After receiving initial treatment at a local hospital, he was admitted to DNCC Hospital.
His temperature fluctuated between 100°F and 103°F, accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea. Although the rash subsided after five days of treatment, coughing and breathing difficulties continued. Later tests confirmed pneumonia.
Faruk is currently on saline and oxygen support. Due to mouth ulcers, he is unable to eat properly.
Many children like Humaira and Omar Faruk are suffering from post-measles complications. Even after the rash disappears, many continue to suffer from fever, cough, cold, pneumonia and prolonged diarrhea. Malnutrition and other health complications are also increasing.
DNCC Hospital Medical Officer Dr Asif Haidar said: “Most children are admitted with fever and rash caused by measles. Although the rash subsides after treatment, many continue to suffer from diarrhea and other complications.”
He added that the number of patients arriving from outside Dhaka is increasing, while cases within the two city corporations are comparatively lower.
“One major problem with the measles virus is that it weakens the patient’s immune system. As a result, environmental viruses and bacteria can severely affect children,” he said.
He also said that children recovering from measles require special care, isolation and nutritious food. He further noted that due to the lack of maternal vaccination, many children under nine months of age are becoming infected.
Vaccination and public health expert Dr Tajul Islam A Bari said weakened immunity following measles can lead to multiple complications in children.
“Malnutrition increases the risk of disease in children. Pneumonia is the most common complication, along with diarrhea and other infections,” he said.
“Moreover, once a child is infected with measles, its effects can be long-term, even lifelong. It can severely affect the nervous system and may even pose a risk of death. Measles reduces immunity, increasing the likelihood of other infections.”
He urged parents to pay special attention to nutrition and ensure age-appropriate breastfeeding.
“Any symptoms should be followed by immediate medical consultation,” he said.
He also noted that even a small immunity gap among mothers can trigger outbreaks because measles is highly contagious.
Professor Dr Mohammad Atikul Islam of Bangladesh Children’s Hospital said: “Post-measles pneumonia is much more complicated than regular pneumonia. In many cases, the causative organism cannot be identified and antibiotics do not work effectively. In some cases, adenovirus-related pneumonia is also being observed, which is more severe.”
Public health virologist Mahbuba Jamil said the measles virus primarily infects the lungs before spreading throughout the body. Children with weaker immunity are more severely affected in the lungs, leading to pneumonia, while diarrhea is also common.
She said children who are malnourished, not breastfed up to two years of age, or deprived of vitamin A supplementation are more vulnerable. Long-term complications may include brain inflammation, vision loss and hearing impairment, while short-term complications include pneumonia and diarrhea.
According to DGHS data, six deaths from suspected measles were reported in the last 24 hours, although no confirmed measles deaths were recorded. During the same period, 118 confirmed patients and 1,341 suspected cases were admitted.
Between March 15 and the morning of May 11, a total of 415 people died from measles and measles-like symptoms. During the same period, 57,437 patients were admitted to hospitals, while 31,992 were discharged.
