The ongoing measles outbreak in Bangladesh is not only driving up infections but also placing increased pressure on hospitals, particularly in treating children with respiratory complications such as pneumonia, doctors warned on Friday.
The concerns were raised at a press conference organised by the Bangladesh Lung Foundation and the Chest and Heart Association of Bangladesh, where specialists discussed the outbreak’s impact and treatment challenges.
Ziaul Haque, a respiratory medicine specialist at Evercare Hospital, said vaccination gaps have fueled the resurgence of the highly contagious disease.
“Over the past two years, interruptions in immunisation programmes have led to a rise in measles infections,” he said.
From 1 March to 14 May this year, 54,419 children were reported with measles or measles-like symptoms nationwide. During the same period, 70 deaths were confirmed from measles and 369 deaths among patients with suspected symptoms.
Doctors emphasised that complications, rather than the initial infection, are the main concern. Pneumonia and respiratory distress are driving greater demand for hospital care, oxygen support, and close monitoring. Respiratory failure remains a leading cause of measles-related deaths, Ziaul Haque said.
To manage the situation, experts urged maintaining routine vaccination programmes, establishing “fever corners” at health facilities for early case identification, expanding access to WHO-approved treatment guidelines, and strengthening public awareness.
“Measles spreads rapidly, but timely treatment can result in complete recovery in 99 percent of cases,” he added. “People should stay alert and avoid misinformation.”
Children with malnutrition or pre-existing health conditions are at higher risk of developing pneumonia, and delayed medical care or antimicrobial resistance can complicate treatment.
Doctors estimate that pneumonia develops in 5 to 8 percent of measles cases, with severe complications causing high mortality among critical patients. Families are advised to seek immediate medical attention for symptoms such as difficulty breathing, low oxygen levels, or persistent high fever.
Pediatric respiratory specialist Professor Dr Abid Hossain Molla stressed that delayed hospital admission worsens outcomes. “Measles weakens the immune system, making early treatment essential,” he said.
The press briefing also highlighted the strain on respiratory and pediatric services, particularly in managing oxygen demand and severe infections among children.
Other attendees included Professor Asif Mujtaba Mahmud, secretary general of Bangladesh Lung Foundation; Professor Kazi Saifuddin Bennur, joint secretary; Professor Ruhul Amin, pediatric pulmonologist; Professor Anwarul Anam Kibria, vice president of the Chest and Heart Association; and Secretary General Professor Golam Sarwar Liaquat Hossain Bhuiyan.
