Six children have died with measles-like symptoms in Rajshahi and Kushtia in the past 24 hours, raising alarm over the rapid spread of the disease and sparking serious concern among the public.
At Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH), three more deaths were reported within 24 hours until 12pm on Saturday, taking the total number of suspected measles-related deaths at the hospital to 38 this year.
RMCH spokesperson Dr Shankar Kuman Biswas said 25 new patients with measles-like symptoms were admitted during the same period, while three were discharged. Currently, 149 patients are receiving treatment at the hospital.
“A total of 377 suspected measles patients have been admitted so far this year,” he added.
Hospital authorities said the rising number of patients is placing increasing strain on paediatric wards, though the situation is being closely monitored.
In Kushtia, three children also died within 24 hours with similar symptoms. The deceased include two eight-month-old infants, Ibrahim and Afran, and five-month-old Aiza.
Ibrahim, son of Chanchal Hossain from Daulatpur upazila, died at the 250-bed Kushtia General Hospital around 10:30pm on Friday.
Aiza, daughter of Momin from the Renwick intersection area in Kushtia town, died at Kushtia Medical College Hospital around midnight.
Earlier, Afran, son of Al Amin from Bhadalia village in Kushtia Sadar upazila, died at the same hospital around 6am.
Residential Medical Officer (RMO) of Kushtia General Hospital, Hossain Imam, confirmed the deaths.
Deputy Director of Kushtia Medical College Hospital, AHM Anwarul Islam said the number of patients with measles-like symptoms is increasing in the district.
Dedicated ‘measles corners’ have been opened in hospitals, but many patients are being treated in general paediatric wards due to a shortage of beds.
According to the Civil Surgeon’s Office, more than 300 children have been admitted to hospitals across the district with measles-like symptoms, of whom at least 75 have recovered.
Civil Surgeon Sheikh Mohammad Kamal Hossain said vaccine shortages, lack of awareness, and movement of people from other districts are contributing to the spread.
He added that ‘Measles isolation corners’ have been set up in all hospitals, and vaccination drives will begin as soon as vaccines become available.
