Hospitals struggle with baby surge
A sharp rise in measles infections among children has been reported across Bangladesh in the first three months of 2026, raising concerns among health authorities.
According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), a total of 676 cases were recorded in January–March, a dramatic increase from just nine cases during the same period last year and 64 in 2024.
The Dhaka division recorded the highest number of infections, with 245 cases (36%), followed by Rajshahi with 137 (20%) and Chattogram with 93 (14%).
Mymensingh reported 80 cases, Barishal and Khulna 51 each, Sylhet 13, and Rangpur six.
Officials noted that these figures reflect only government hospital data, and the actual number of cases may be higher. No official data on measles-related deaths has yet been released.
Mymensingh
At Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, 68 children have been diagnosed with measles, with six new admissions recorded in the past 24 hours.
Since mid-March, a total of 108 children have been treated, with five deaths reported, all involving fever and respiratory distress.
In response, authorities formed three medical teams on 24 March and established a 10-bed “Measles Corner” in the children’s ward.
However, the facilities are under strain, prompting plans to open a dedicated isolation ward on the 8th floor, equipped with oxygen support, a nurses’ station, and seating for medical staff.
Associate Professor Golam Mawla confirmed that oxygen is being provided where needed, though no patient has required ICU care so far.
Acting Civil Surgeon Faisal Ahmed added that three-member medical teams have been deployed across all 13 upazila health complexes, though no cases have been admitted at the upazila level yet.
Sylhet
In Sylhet, measles infections have also surged, with 39 cases reported over the past five days. Seventeen children have recovered, while 22 remain hospitalised, including three in critical condition.
Health officials said most affected children were unvaccinated or below the eligible age for vaccination.
An isolation centre has been established at Shaheed Shamsuddin Ahmed Hospital, where a 20-bed ward has been dedicated to measles treatment since 26 March. Medical teams are providing care, medicines, and equipment free of charge.
Authorities have also formed a specialised paediatric team, and a divisional vaccination campaign is planned for early next month.
Officials confirmed no new measles variant has been detected and no deaths have been reported in Sylhet so far.
Chattogram
In Chattogram, eight confirmed measles cases have been recorded, six of them in the metropolitan area, while one case has been identified as rubella.
Authorities have reported 29 suspected cases, all from urban areas, and 75 samples have been sent for testing. Hospitals and upazila health complexes have been placed on alert to manage potential outbreaks.
Rangpur
At Rangpur Medical College Hospital, four children with measles are currently receiving treatment in an isolation ward.
A five-member medical board has been formed to oversee their care, with oxygen support in place.
Authorities are preparing for a potential rise in cases, though no widespread outbreaks have been reported in the upazilas. Vaccine supplies are sufficient to meet current needs.
Health experts warn that the surge highlights the vulnerability of unvaccinated children and stressed the importance of timely immunisation.
Authorities have urged parents to ensure that children receive vaccines on schedule and to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms appear, including fever, rash, cough, and respiratory distress.
With hospitals under pressure and cases rising, the government is also preparing to expand vaccination drives and strengthen hospital facilities to curb further spread of measles across the country.
