Measles claims 7 children in Barishal, 77 hospitalised

Measles infections are on the rise in Barishal, with at least seven children dying while undergoing treatment so far.

Among the six districts in the division, Bhola is facing a shortage of vaccines, while the remaining five districts have no such crisis. However, the rapid spread of the disease is raising concerns across the region.

The information was confirmed by the Barishal divisional health office. Meanwhile, Patients have alleged mismanagement and negligence in the treatment of measles-infected children.

Divisional Director of the Directorate General of Health Services, Dr Shyamal Krishna Mondal, said, “A total of 206 measles cases have been detected in Barishal division so far. Currently, 77 patients are undergoing treatment at government hospitals.”

“Seven children have died from measles between January and March. Except for Bhola, there is no shortage of measles vaccines in other districts,” he added.

He urged people not to panic but to remain cautious, emphasising that protecting children should be the top priority.

Rashida Begum, a resident of Harinafulia in Barishal city, brought her two-year-old child to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital. After admitting her pneumonia-infected child, she was given a bed next to a one-and-a-half-year-old measles patient.

“Measles is highly contagious. The infected child is being kept with others, which is distressing. We are also worried that my son may get infected,” she said.

The mother of another measles-infected child said beds are difficult to find. “We initially did not get a bed and had to manage one later. Due to patient pressure and lack of a separate unit for measles treatment, we are suffering.”

According to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital, 130 measles-infected children received treatment there between January and March, including 89 admissions in March alone. One child died at the hospital.

As per the latest 24-hour report, 26 measles patients are currently undergoing treatment in the hospital’s paediatric ward. Although the ward has a capacity of 41 beds, nearly 400 children are being treated there.