Amid Bangladesh’s ongoing measles outbreak, many children are developing severe complications as delayed diagnosis and repeated hospital transfers worsen their condition.
Physicians say early symptoms such as fever, cough and runny nose are often mistaken for common viral illnesses, leading families to first seek care at local pharmacies or small clinics. As conditions worsen, patients are referred to district hospitals and eventually to specialized facilities in Dhaka.
Doctors warn that by the time many children reach tertiary hospitals, they are already critically ill with pneumonia and respiratory distress, making treatment more difficult and increasing preventable deaths.
Between Saturday 8am and Sunday 8am, 16 more children died from measles and measles-like symptoms within 24 hours—the highest single-day death toll so far.
Since March 15 this year, a total of 528 deaths linked to measles and measles-like symptoms have been reported nationwide. Of them, 86 deaths have been confirmed as measles-related, while 442 remain classified as suspected cases.
The information was disclosed in a press release issued Sunday by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
Families struggling to find hospital beds
Asma Khatun reached the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Mohakhali from Patuakhali with her daughter suffering from measles, after being moved across multiple hospitals in search of a bed.
The child was first treated for fever at a local hospital in Patuakhali and sent home with medication instead of being admitted. As her condition worsened, she was taken to Patuakhali Sadar Hospital, where measles was diagnosed after two days and the family was referred to Bangladesh Shishu Hospital. However, no beds were available. She was then referred to Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College and Hospital and Dhaka Medical College Hospital, but admission could not be secured at either facility before she was finally admitted to the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Mohakhali.
By then, her condition had deteriorated severely, including respiratory distress and pneumonia alongside worsening measles infection. She has been under treatment at the hospital for the past three days.
Asma Khatun said the child’s condition might not have become so critical if treatment had been available locally or if admission in Dhaka had been immediate.
Infection spreading inside hospitals
Hafiz, a resident of Narayanganj, said his eight-month-old daughter Mariam was initially treated at a local hospital before being moved through several facilities and finally admitted to Sir Salimullah Medical College Mitford Hospital.
He alleged that his child’s condition worsened after sharing a bed with another child infected with measles. Subsequent tests confirmed that Mariam had contracted the virus.
The family later moved between Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Kurmitola General Hospital before finally securing admission at the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Mohakhali.
According to Hafiz, doctors have described the child’s condition as critical and warned that life support may become necessary.
Pressure mounting on hospitals
District hospitals are increasingly referring critically ill children to Dhaka due to a lack of ICU and specialized treatment facilities outside the capital.
Despite rising patient pressure, hospital authorities say treatment capacity is being maintained. Asif Haider, administrative officer at DNCC Dedicated Covid-19 Hospital, said the facility has 56 fully operational ICU beds, along with 600 general beds allocated for isolating infectious disease patients.
He emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and prompt medical attention, warning that delayed treatment of seemingly routine fever can become life-threatening, particularly for children.
Colonel Latifa Rahman, acting director of the DNCC Dedicated Covid-19 Hospital, said most children referred from multiple hospitals arrive in critical condition. Nevertheless, the hospital continues admitting measles patients.
She said the health minister has instructed both government and private hospitals to admit measles patients. Despite that directive, many families continue to face harassment and difficulties securing admission.
She added that authorities are considering expanding capacity to cope with the growing number of patients.
Critically ill children arriving late
Dr Srivas Pal, a consultant at the Infectious Diseases Hospital, said most patients arrive in critical condition after being unable to obtain admission elsewhere.
“By the time many children reach us, their conditions are extremely complicated. In some cases, saving their lives becomes very difficult,” he said.
Health expert urges stricter enforcement
Public health and vaccination expert Dr A Bari said isolation of measles patients is essential to prevent further spread, but in reality, families are being forced to move from one hospital to another, increasing health risks.
He noted that the health minister had directed all government and private hospitals to continue treatment for measles-infected children wherever they seek care.
“Simply issuing instructions is not enough,” he said.
“Hospitals refusing to admit measles patients should face government action. There must be accountability, and an example should be set.”
He said complaints are frequently being received that private hospitals are unwilling to admit measles patients.
“The government must take effective measures. Helpless parents carrying sick children should not have to face harassment while trying to secure hospital admission,” he added.
