Measles Outbreak Hits Netrokona, Five Hospitalised

A concerning rise in measles infections has been reported in Netrokona district, where health authorities have confirmed that nine children have tested positive for the highly contagious viral disease. Of those affected, four have recovered and been discharged, while five remain under treatment at Netrokona Modern District Hospital.

The latest update was confirmed on Tuesday (31 March) by the district civil surgeon’s office and hospital officials, who said medical teams are closely monitoring the situation amid fears of further transmission among vulnerable children.

According to hospital records, the infected children are aged between six months and three years. Cases have been identified across multiple upazilas, including four in Sadar, two in Purbadhala, two in Atpara, and one in Kalmakanda. Health officials have stressed that the majority of infections fall within the high-risk group of children aged under five, who are more susceptible to complications from measles.

Doctors report that the children were admitted with symptoms such as high fever, runny nose, persistent cough, and distinctive reddish skin rashes. Following clinical evaluation and laboratory testing, all cases were confirmed as measles infections.

All patients are currently being treated in a dedicated isolation ward within the paediatric unit to prevent further spread of the disease inside the hospital. However, concerns have emerged from some guardians regarding shortages of essential medicines, forcing families to purchase prescribed drugs from outside pharmacies.

One guardian, Fulan Rani Sarkar, said her child had suffered from fever for three days before developing a rash. The child was later taken to hospital and diagnosed with measles. She also alleged that several necessary medicines were unavailable in the isolation ward, adding to the difficulties faced by affected families.

Medical Officer of the Paediatric Department, Md Abu Raihan Khan, confirmed that a separate treatment corner has been established for measles patients to reduce the risk of cross-infection within the hospital. He said medical staff are continuing treatment efforts despite limited resources.

However, he acknowledged shortages of key medical supplies, including vitamin A capsules, paracetamol syrup, antibiotics, and eye drops. As a result, guardians have been instructed to purchase these medicines externally. He added that a previous disruption in oxygen supply had now been resolved and normal services had resumed.

Public health specialists have reiterated that measles is a highly infectious airborne disease that spreads easily through respiratory droplets. They warned that unvaccinated children are particularly vulnerable and stressed the importance of completing routine immunisation under the national Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) to prevent outbreaks.

Civil Surgeon Dr Golam Mawla confirmed that all infected children are receiving appropriate treatment and emphasised that there is no shortage of measles vaccines in the district. He further stated that preventive measures have been strengthened to contain the situation and reduce the risk of further spread.

Measles Situation in Netrokona

Health authorities continue to maintain heightened surveillance across the district, urging parents and guardians to ensure timely vaccination of children in order to prevent further outbreaks and safeguard public health.