A growing outbreak of measles-like illness among children continues to place significant pressure on Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, where 27 new paediatric patients were admitted within the past 24 hours showing symptoms consistent with the disease.
Hospital authorities confirmed that the latest admissions occurred between 8:00 am on Friday and 8:00 am on Saturday. During the same period, 22 children recovered and were discharged, while no new deaths were recorded.
At present, 77 children are receiving treatment in the hospital’s dedicated measles isolation ward. Since 17 March, a total of 371 children have been admitted with suspected measles symptoms. Of these, 284 have recovered and left hospital care, while 10 children have tragically died.
The situation has escalated gradually since February, when sporadic admissions began in the paediatric department. However, from mid-March onwards, the number of suspected cases increased sharply, prompting the hospital authorities to establish a separate 64-bed isolation ward to manage the influx of patients. Three dedicated medical teams are currently overseeing treatment and monitoring.
According to the District Civil Surgeon’s Office, 197 samples have been sent for laboratory testing up to Saturday morning. Of these, 74 cases have been confirmed as measles, indicating a substantial proportion of infections among suspected patients.
Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely as concerns grow over transmission within the community. Vaccination coverage gaps and seasonal vulnerability are believed to be contributing factors, although authorities have not yet released a detailed epidemiological breakdown.
A senior hospital official, Assistant Director (Administration) Mohammad Mainuddin Khan, stated that 27 new children were admitted in the last 24 hours, adding that no additional deaths occurred during the same period. He emphasised that medical teams are working continuously to provide treatment and manage patient flow within the isolation ward.
Key Figures from the Outbreak
| Indicator | Number |
|---|---|
| New admissions (last 24 hours) | 27 children |
| Currently receiving treatment | 77 children |
| Total admissions since 17 March | 371 children |
| Total recoveries/discharged | 284 children |
| Deaths reported | 10 children |
| Recoveries (last 24 hours) | 22 children |
| Samples tested | 197 |
| Confirmed measles cases | 74 |
Health experts stress that early detection, isolation, and immunisation remain the most effective measures to control further spread. The hospital continues to operate its dedicated isolation facility to cope with the sustained influx of suspected cases.