A sharp rise in measles infections among children has placed significant pressure on Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, with 105 patients admitted over the past 11 days and three child fatalities reported. The influx of cases, not only from Mymensingh but also from neighbouring districts, has stretched the hospital’s already limited paediatric facilities and raised concerns about a wider public health lapse in immunisation coverage.
Hospital authorities noted that the surge began in mid-March. In response, three dedicated medical teams were formed on 24 March, and separate “measles corners” were established within the paediatric ward. Each unit, designed to accommodate ten patients, is now overwhelmed. The situation has deteriorated to the point where two children are often sharing a single bed, and some measles patients are being treated alongside others, increasing the risk of cross-infection.
By Saturday afternoon, 46 children were undergoing treatment in Ward 30, while another 23 were admitted to two units in Ward 31. Despite a nominal capacity of 60 beds, the paediatric wards frequently host between 300 and 400 patients, according to hospital staff. Children are arriving from districts including Sherpur, Jamalpur, Netrokona, Tangail, Kurigram, Kishoreganj, and parts of Gazipur.
Parents described distressing circumstances. Some children had incomplete vaccination histories, often due to illness or missed schedules, while others had reportedly received all recommended doses. This suggests that although immunisation remains the most effective preventive measure, gaps in coverage may be contributing to the outbreak.
Medical professionals warn that measles is highly contagious, spreading rapidly through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or even speaking. Complications such as pneumonia, diarrhoea, encephalitis, and eye infections are common among severe cases, and several admitted children are already exhibiting such symptoms.
Below is a summary of the current situation:
| Indicator | Data |
|---|---|
| Total admissions (11 days) | 105 |
| Total deaths | 3 |
| Currently hospitalised | 69 |
| Designated bed capacity | 60 |
| Estimated actual occupancy | 300–400 |
Dr Mazharul Amin, Assistant Registrar of the paediatric department, stated that both vaccinated and unvaccinated children are among the patients. Although no cases have yet required intensive care, the rapid increase in infections is alarming. He added that despite creating separate treatment areas, full isolation remains unachievable due to overcrowding.
Professor Aktaruzzaman, Head of Paediatrics, emphasised that strict isolation is critical to controlling transmission. He also confirmed that teams from World Health Organization are collecting and analysing samples to determine the cause of the sudden surge. Preliminary assessments suggest that disruptions in routine immunisation—particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic—may have left many children vulnerable.
Administrative officials echoed these concerns, noting that nationwide measles cases appear to be rising. Emergency measures have been introduced, including the establishment of separate beds in 13 Upazila health complexes and plans for dedicated fever clinics for children.
Health experts urge parents to ensure timely vaccination and seek prompt medical attention if symptoms appear, warning that without swift intervention, the outbreak could intensify further.