CMCH opens dedicated measles corner as 12 children admitted with symptoms

The children admitted over the last seven days are all in stable condition, doctors say

The Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH) has set up a dedicated corner within its paediatric department after 12 children were hospitalised with measles and measles-related pneumonia over the past week.

The specialised unit, previously used as a dengue corner, was repurposed to isolate and treat patients showing symptoms of the highly contagious viral infection.

Hospital Director Brig Gen Mohammed Taslim Uddin told bdnews24.com on Sunday that the 12 children currently under care are "suspected cases" admitted with various symptoms.

"They are all in stable condition and recovering," he added.

According to Mohammad Musa Meah, head of the CMCH paediatric department, the admitted children arrived from different areas outside Chattogram city at different times during the last seven days.

Health officials urged parents not to panic, emphasising that while there is no specific cure for measles once contracted, vaccination remains the primary line of defence.

Musa highlighted the critical role of nutrition in recovery and prevention.

"The likelihood of contracting measles is significantly lower for children who are regularly breastfed and do not have a vitamin A deficiency," he explained.

He also noted that while measles often resolves on its own in healthy children, those suffering from malnutrition are at a higher risk of developing severe complications, such as pneumonia.

"Preventing malnutrition is essential for measles prevention. With regular medical care, most children recover fully," the department head said.