2 infants dead in remote Alikadam as suspected measles outbreak spreads

Poor infrastructure and lack of mobile network delayed news of the tragedy reaching authorities, locals say

Two infants have died in a remote hilly area of Alikadam Upazila following a suspected outbreak of measles.

The deaths occurred on Saturday in Ringlat Para of Kurukpata Union, though the news only surfaced on Thursday after reports began circulating on social media.

The dead have been identified as 3-month-old Jongrung Mro, daughter of Lengklang Mro, and 7-month-old Khatong Mro, son of Lukun Mro.

Due to the extreme lack of infrastructure and mobile network coverage in the region, word of the tragedy took days to reach the local administration, said Saknao Mro, a resident of nearby Poamuhuri.

“The affected village is a two-and-a-half-hour trek from the nearest market,” he noted.

Local residents, including Tonwai Mro, claimed that between 20 and 30 children across several villages are suffering from symptoms consistent with measles, such as high fever and rashes.

Many of the families remain unable to reach hospitals due to the difficult terrain.

Six children with measles symptoms are currently undergoing treatment at the Alikadam Upazila Health Complex.

Four of these patients were brought in from the remote Kurukpata Union, including children aged between seven and ten.

Bandarban Civil Surgeon Mohammad Shahin Hossain Chowdhury addressed the situation, saying: "No measles cases had been officially identified in the district until now. Following the reports from Kurukpata, we have dispatched a four-member medical team to the spot to investigate and provide treatment."

Kurukpata Union Chairman Kratpung Mro said he has urged the administration to take emergency measures to prevent the further spread of the illness in the region.