Sylhet Measles Crisis Deepens Further

The measles outbreak across the Sylhet Division has become increasingly alarming, with health authorities reporting two more child deaths linked to measles symptoms and pneumonia complications within the past 24 hours. During the same period, laboratory testing confirmed two new measles infections, while 69 additional patients were admitted to hospitals with suspected symptoms, prompting renewed vigilance from public health officials.

According to data released by the Sylhet Divisional Office of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the two children died while receiving treatment in intensive care units at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital and Shaheed Shamsuddin Ahmed Hospital. The deceased were identified as seven-month-old Sarhan, son of Sajal Mia from East Sultanpur in Moulvibazar Sadar Upazila, and five-month-old Ahiyan, son of Ujjal Mia from Osmaninagar Upazila in Sylhet District.

Dr Mahbubul Alam, Director of Health for Sylhet Division, stated that both children had developed severe complications associated with measles symptoms and pneumonia. He confirmed that 69 new patients exhibiting measles-related symptoms had been admitted to various hospitals over the previous day and that health authorities were closely monitoring the evolving situation.

Confirmed Measles Cases in Sylhet Division

Since the beginning of the year, laboratory tests have confirmed 327 measles cases across the division. Sunamganj has recorded the highest number of infections, accounting for more than half of all confirmed cases.

Public health specialists note that measles is one of the most contagious viral diseases known. The virus spreads rapidly among unvaccinated populations and can lead to serious complications, particularly in young children. Pneumonia remains one of the leading causes of measles-related deaths, while other complications may include severe diarrhoea, malnutrition, respiratory distress, ear infections and, in some cases, neurological disorders.

Children under the age of five are particularly vulnerable, especially those who have not received routine immunisations through the national vaccination programme. Health experts stress that timely vaccination remains the most effective measure for preventing infection and reducing severe outcomes.

Hospitalisations Continue to Rise

The growing number of admissions is placing additional pressure on healthcare facilities across the region. Authorities report that 261 suspected measles patients are currently undergoing treatment in government and private hospitals throughout Sylhet Division.

Healthcare workers have been instructed to strengthen surveillance, improve case detection and ensure the rapid referral of critically ill patients. Hospitals are also maintaining enhanced monitoring of children presenting with fever, skin rashes, cough, runny nose and breathing difficulties—common symptoms associated with measles infection.

District-Wise Death Toll

An analysis of fatalities indicates that all four districts of Sylhet Division have experienced deaths associated with suspected or confirmed measles infections.

According to health department records, 72 of the deaths were linked to suspected measles cases, while eight deaths occurred among laboratory-confirmed patients. The cumulative death toll reported by the authorities currently stands at 76.

Authorities Emphasise Prevention

Public health experts continue to urge parents and caregivers to ensure children receive all recommended vaccine doses on schedule. They also advise seeking immediate medical attention if a child develops fever, red skin rashes, persistent cough, cold-like symptoms or breathing difficulties.

The continued rise in infections, hospital admissions and fatalities suggests that the outbreak remains a significant public health challenge for Sylhet Division. In response, health authorities are intensifying awareness campaigns, strengthening vaccination efforts and encouraging communities to cooperate with disease surveillance and prevention measures in an effort to contain further spread of the virus.