Cox's Bazar reports second death of a child with ‘measles symptoms’

The Cox's Bazar District Sadar Hospital currently has 28 children showing symptoms of the disease

A 7-month-old child carrying “measles symptoms” has died in Cox's Bazar, bringing the total number of deaths allegedly from the airborne disease to two.

Identified by a single name, Ira breathed her last while undergoing treatment at Cox's Bazar District Sadar Hospital on Wednesday, said Mohammad Shahidul Alam, assistant registrar of the facility’s Paediatric Department.

She hailed from Maheshkhali Upazila and was hospitalised on Mar 30.

Both babies, who died in the hospital, were suffering pneumonia, the hospital authorities said.

Ira also had infections in her mouth and struggled to eat normally.

Doctors advised using a tube to feed her, but her parents did not follow the instruction, Shahidul said.

When the parents tried to feed her without a tube, it caused breathing issues leading to her death, the doctor added.

Shahidul said pneumonia, coupled with sores in the mouth, worsens the physical condition of children.

The hospital currently has 28 children with “measles symptoms”.

The civil surgeon's office said they were closely monitoring the situation and that medical and awareness activities have been strengthened in the district.