Sylhet Measles Crisis Claims 108 Children Amid Pneumonia Complications

A total of 108 children have died in Sylhet Division since the beginning of this year after developing complications linked to measles symptoms and pneumonia, while laboratory tests have confirmed measles in 591 people over the same period.

The figures, covering 1 January to 25 July, were confirmed on Saturday by Dr Mahbubul Alam, director of the Directorate General of Health Services’ Sylhet divisional office.

According to the latest report from the divisional health director’s office, Sunamganj has recorded the highest number of laboratory-confirmed measles cases in the division, with 307 infections. Sylhet district has reported 196 confirmed cases, while 61 cases have been identified in Habiganj. Of those tested in Habiganj, two were found to have rubella rather than measles. Moulvibazar has recorded 27 laboratory-confirmed measles cases.

The outbreak has also placed considerable pressure on hospitals across the division. At present, 229 suspected measles patients are receiving treatment at government and private healthcare facilities. A further 47 children were admitted to hospitals in the 24 hours preceding the latest health department report after developing measles-like symptoms.

Of the newly admitted patients, 27 were taken to Shaheed Shamsuddin Ahmed Hospital, 15 to Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, three to Moulvibazar District Sadar Hospital and two to Sunamganj District Sadar Hospital.

No new laboratory-confirmed measles case was reported during the 24-hour period. There were also no new deaths among children suffering from measles during that time, offering some relief amid the continuing health crisis.

The largest number of suspected patients currently under treatment is at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, where 79 people are receiving care. Another 72 patients are being treated at Shaheed Shamsuddin Ahmed Hospital, while 30 are at Sunamganj Sadar Hospital. The remaining patients are receiving treatment at various upazila health complexes and private hospitals across the division.

Sunamganj has also recorded the highest number of deaths. Health department figures show that 48 children have died there since the beginning of the year. Sylhet district has reported 36 deaths, followed by Moulvibazar with 13 and Habiganj with 11.

The health authorities’ classification of the deaths shows the complexity of the situation. Of the 108 fatalities, four have been confirmed as deaths caused by measles. The remaining 104 children died after developing pneumonia-related complications alongside measles-like symptoms.

Dr Mahbubul Alam said that 108 children had died after developing measles symptoms and pneumonia since the start of the year. He also confirmed that 47 new patients had been admitted to hospitals within the latest 24-hour period, while 229 suspected measles patients remained under treatment at different healthcare facilities.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can spread rapidly, particularly among children who are unvaccinated or inadequately protected. While many cases recover without severe complications, serious illness can occur, especially when the infection is accompanied by pneumonia or other complications. Such cases can require close medical supervision and timely supportive treatment.

The current situation in Sylhet has therefore raised concerns over the continued pressure on hospitals, particularly facilities serving as major referral centres for seriously ill children. The concentration of suspected cases in several hospitals also underlines the need for prompt diagnosis, appropriate clinical management and effective infection-control measures.

With more than 200 suspected patients still receiving treatment and dozens of new admissions reported within a single day, health officials are continuing to monitor the situation closely. The absence of new laboratory-confirmed cases and deaths in the latest 24-hour period provides some immediate reassurance, but the overall number of fatalities and the continuing flow of patients indicate that the health emergency remains a serious concern across the division.