Measles surge in Faridpur claims two more child lives

The latest fatalities push the Faridpur hospital's death toll to 16

Measles keeps tightening its grip on Faridpur, claiming two more young lives at the medical college hospital and pushing the facility's death toll to 16.

The two children passed away while undergoing treatment during a 24-hour window leading up to Friday morning, Faridpur Civil Surgeon Mahmudul Hasan said.

One of the victims was a 9-month-old boy from Matipara in Rajbari Sadar, while the other was a 3-month-old boy from Harukandi in Faridpur Sadar.

In the same period, 30 children were admitted to government hospitals across the district with measles symptoms, while 33 recovered and went home.

The civil surgeon said treatment and monitoring at hospitals have been stepped up. “Parents are being advised not to panic but to bring their children to hospital quickly.”

“If measles symptoms appear, they should seek a doctor without delay. All children must also be brought under the vaccination programme,” he added.

Abdulla Sayad, a paediatrician based in Faridpur, said many young patients are arriving at the hospital with high fever, red body rashes, breathing difficulties, and extreme physical weakness.

He pointed out that bringing children to medical facilities at a late stage is worsening clinical complications in many instances.

The district health department has ramped up awareness campaigns to curb the spread, with vaccination and outreach drives running in different areas.