Four children in Thakurgaon have contracted measles and rubella, sparking panic in the area. Two children are undergoing treatment for measles, while two others have been diagnosed with rubella.
According to local health department and hospital sources, symptoms in children infected with measles include fever, skin rashes, coughing, and red eyes.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads rapidly through sneezing and coughing. Rubella is relatively less severe but remains risky for children and pregnant women.
Thakurgaon 250-bed General Hospital Superintendent Firoz Zaman said a four-bed isolation unit has been established at the hospital to manage the measles situation. He mentioned that two children had received treatment for measles and are undergoing recovery at home.
Experts warn that complications such as pneumonia, diarrhoea, or other issues may arise if treatment is not sought in a timely manner.
Medical specialists have noted that the infection rate may increase due to vaccine hesitancy or incomplete vaccination schedules. They stressed that children must be ensured the MR (Measles-Rubella) vaccine at the scheduled time.
If fever and rashes appear, medical attention should be sought immediately, and the infected child must be kept isolated from others.
Civil Surgeon Anisur Rahman confirmed that the affected children are under their supervision. He added that the outbreak may be linked to the absence of a formal vaccination campaign since 2018. He sent samples from six more children suspected of having measles for testing.
He said that surveillance has been increased in the surrounding areas to prevent further spread. Anisur urged the public not to panic upon seeing symptoms but instead to seek the advice of a doctor.
