Published : 30 Mar 2026, 03:45 AM
Updated : 21 Aug 2026, 03:32 PM
The number of measles patients at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital has been rising steadily, with 106 people admitted in the past 13 days of this month.
Of them, five children have died, two of them over the past 24 hours, Deputy Director Zakiul Islam on Sunday.
Hospital authorities have taken several measures to manage the highly contagious disease, including forming special medical teams and opening separate treatment corners.
According to hospital data, the number of measles patients began increasing midway through the month, alongside a rise in deaths.
To bring the situation under control, three separate medical teams were formed on Mar 24 to treat measles patients.
Authorities designated three rooms in the paediatric department as “measles corners”, each equipped with 10 beds, where infected children are receiving treatment.
Prof Aktaruzzaman, head of the paediatric department, said: “As measles is highly contagious, it is crucial to isolate infected patients from others and maintain strict precautions.
“In line with hospital directives, measles patients are being kept separate from general patients. Treatment is being provided in three designated rooms.”
At Ward No. 30, Kajol, a 1-year-old identified by a single name, is being treated.
The child developed a cold, cough and fever a week ago, and despite initial care from a local doctor, his condition worsened, leading his father to admit him to the hospital.
His father Kamrul Islam said, “My son developed measles three days ago. We came to the hospital on Friday and got him admitted. He is now under treatment, and I hope he will recover soon.”
At the same hospital, Shahanaz Begum from Koladia village in Gouripur sat beside her 8-and-a-half-month-old son known only as Musa, who was admitted on Saturday.
She said, “My son received all his vaccines after birth, but I do not understand how he still contracted measles.”
Doctors have warned that although many consider measles to be a common fever or cold, its complications can be severe and even fatal for children.
Dr Bijon Kumar, a resident physician, said: “Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads rapidly through the air via coughing, sneezing, talking, or direct contact.
“Complications such as pneumonia, diarrhoea, and inflammation of the eyes and brain can occur, increasing the risk of death. Among the hospitalised children, symptoms like pneumonia and diarrhoea are already being observed.”
Assistant Prof Bishwajit Chowdhury of Ward No. 30 said, “We are receiving both vaccinated and unvaccinated patients. So far, no patient has required ICU support.
“Although one or two cases were seen over the past few months, admissions have surged this March. Due to the increasing patient load, three separate corners have been opened. Doctors, nurses and staff are providing treatment to the best of their ability.”
Nurse Momena Khatun from Unit-2 of Ward No. 31 provided statistics after reviewing hospital records.
Since Mar 18, data on measles patients have been maintained separately.
According to her records, a 4-month-old child known only as Wajkuruni died of measles on Mar 18 after being admitted on Mar 15 from Koltapara in Gouripur.
On Mar 26, a 3-year-old child named Tanusa from Naomahal in Mymensingh city died.
On the same day, another 2-year-old child identified only as Samia from the Police Lines area also died.
Prof Aktaruzzaman added, “Representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) have recently visited the hospital and are regularly collecting and testing samples.
“However, the exact cause behind the sudden surge in measles cases has not yet been confirmed.”
He suggested that gaps in vaccination coverage might be a contributing factor.
Deputy Director Zakiul said, “The number of measles patients has suddenly increased. Such a situation was not seen before. We hope the outbreak will gradually subside.”
He added that isolation facilities would be expanded if the situation worsens.
