The number of children admitted to hospitals with measles-like symptoms in Sylhet continues to rise, placing severe pressure on healthcare facilities across the division.
Due to a shortage of beds, multiple patients are being treated in single beds, while hospital authorities struggle to manage the growing influx. Critical care services are also under strain because of an insufficient number of ICU beds.
In response to the worsening situation, a 32-bed measles isolation unit has been established in the pediatric ward of MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital. Treatment efforts are also ongoing at Shaheed Shamsuddin Ahmed Hospital. Additionally, five ICU beds have been added, bringing the total ICU capacity in Sylhet to 22.
Brigadier General Omar Munir Rashid, Director of MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, confirmed the developments, stating that the rising number of patients has created significant space constraints. He added that a dedicated measles isolation unit has been introduced in the pediatric ward to better manage incoming cases.
Two children died yesterday in the division while undergoing treatment with measles-like symptoms, according to a report from the Divisional Health Director’s Office.
With these latest deaths, the total number of fatalities linked to measles symptoms in the division has reached 28, including 25 suspected and three confirmed measles-related deaths.
The deceased children were treated at MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital. They have been identified as s7-month-old Ikra Jannat from Kajolshah in Sylhet Sadar, daughter of Iqbal, and 10-month-old Marwan Ahmed from Lama Diskibari in Companiganj, son of Shakil Ahmed.
Health officials reported that a total of 289 patients are currently hospitalized across Sylhet Division with measles or suspected measles, including 123 patients at Shaheed Shamsuddin Ahmed Hospital alone.
According to the Sylhet Health Department, 28 children have died with measles-like symptoms in the division since the beginning of this year, three of whom were confirmed measles cases. In the past 24 hours alone, 65 new suspected cases were admitted, while laboratory tests confirmed measles infection in three children. Currently, 280 patients are receiving treatment across different hospitals.
Hospital sources at Shaheed Shamsuddin Ahmed Hospital said the facility was designated to handle measles cases from the beginning of the outbreak. However, the sudden surge in admissions has overwhelmed its capacity, forcing authorities to accommodate patients in overcrowded conditions.
Health experts attribute the rising complications and fatalities to gaps in routine immunization coverage, missed vaccinations among children, and delays in seeking medical care.
