Measles infections surge in Kishoreganj

At least 77 measles patients were admitted to hospitals in Kishoreganj, according to the Civil Surgeon’s Office on Saturday.

The Civil Surgeon’s Office has expressed concern over the recent increase in measles infections in Kishoreganj. A total of 248 patients, including both confirmed and suspected cases, have sought treatment in the district from January to March this year.

According to the Department of Health, samples from 77 suspected hospitalized patients have been tested, and 18 have been confirmed to be infected with measles.

Further samples are being sent to Dhaka to determine the nature and spread of the infection. So far, one death due to measles has been reported in the district. Civil Surgeon (CS) of Kishoreganj, Dr. Avijit Sharma, told The New Nation that necessary preparations have already been made to deal with the situation.
A total of 101 isolation beds have been prepared, including 26 in the 250-bed Kishoreganj General Hospital, 15 in Shaheed Syed Nazrul Islam Medical College and Hospital, and 60 beds across 12 Upazila Health Complexes (5 beds in each). There is no shortage of measles vaccines in Kishoreganj. However, due to the lack of ICU facilities, critically ill patients are being transferred to Mymensingh or Dhaka as needed.
In this situation, a measles vaccination programme will begin in Kishoreganj on April 20, in line with the rest of the country. Under this programme, individuals who have not been vaccinated before, as well as those who have already been vaccinated, will be eligible to receive the vaccine again.
The Kishoreganj CS also said there is no risk of any side effects from receiving the vaccine again.
The Department of Health has urged parents to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health centre if their children develop symptoms such as cough, fever, runny nose, or a red rash on the body.