Measles Suspected Death in Rangpur

A further child undergoing treatment with measles-like symptoms has died at the paediatric ward of Rangpur Medical College Hospital, while new cases continue to be reported across the division.

The deceased infant, Moni Akter, aged nine months, was the daughter of Mahabub Alam from Sadar Upazila in Thakurgaon. She died on Saturday night while receiving treatment in the isolation unit of the paediatric ward at Rangpur Medical College Hospital.

The information was confirmed on Sunday (17 May) by Associate Professor Dr A N M Tanveer Chowdhury (Noman) of the hospital’s paediatrics department. He stated that the child had been admitted with measles-like symptoms and her condition deteriorated during treatment, leading to her death during the night.

With this latest case, the number of children who have died at the hospital with suspected measles symptoms has risen to five.

Hospital records show that, as of Sunday morning, 27 children with measles-like symptoms are currently admitted and undergoing treatment. In total, 258 children have been treated at the hospital so far. Of these, 217 have recovered and returned home.

The hospital authority has confirmed that patients are being treated in three separate isolation wards, with enhanced monitoring arrangements in place.

Meanwhile, according to the Divisional Health Director’s Office, 23 new cases of measles-like symptoms were identified across the Rangpur division in the past 24 hours.

New suspected cases in the last 24 hours

Health authorities further reported that between 30 March and Sunday morning, a total of 1,138 patients with measles-like symptoms have been identified across the Rangpur division. Of them, 1,063 have recovered and returned home, while 27 patients remain under treatment in various hospitals.

Overall situation summary

A five-member specialist medical team has been formed to manage the situation, according to hospital director Brigadier General Ashikur Rahman. He added that samples from patients have been collected and sent to Dhaka for laboratory testing.

He also advised that there is no need for public panic, but stressed the importance of vigilance. Medical consultation is recommended if children develop fever, skin rash, cough, or red eyes.