Hospitals struggle with measles wave
At least twelve children died from measles and measles-like symptoms between 8am yesterday and 8am Friday (15 May), according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
During the same period, 1,192 patients exhibiting similar symptoms were admitted to hospitals nationwide, including 111 laboratory-confirmed cases.
So far this year, at least 74 children have died from confirmed measles infections in Bangladesh, while another 377 deaths have been linked to measles-like symptoms.
Between 15 March and 15 May, DGHS reports show that 7,416 cases were confirmed through laboratory testing.
Overall, suspected and confirmed measles cases across Bangladesh have surpassed 60,000, with at least 430 child deaths recorded.
Health experts note that a large proportion of patients referred from outside Dhaka arrive in critical condition, and most fatalities occur among those presenting in the later stages of illness.
Nine additional children died from measles and related symptoms between 8am Wednesday and 8am Thursday, with 1,489 admissions during that period, including 126 confirmed cases.
Medical professionals have called for urgent nationwide training for district and divisional physicians, along with a standardised treatment guideline, to reduce preventable deaths.
Professor Dr Mirza Md Ziaul Islam of Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute emphasised that many children arriving from outside the capital do not receive adequate initial care.
“Measles complicated by pneumonia requires timely oxygen support, and delays can quickly worsen lung damage,” he said.
“Basic measures such as vitamin A supplementation, nutritional support, and oxygen monitoring are not being consistently applied, leading to rapid deterioration.”
Dr Islam noted that at least 29 children have died at his hospital since January, most in extremely critical condition on arrival.
He urged the immediate creation of a “Measles Management Manual” and nationwide training for doctors, adding that early intervention at the field level could reduce severe cases and fatalities.
DGHS data indicates that of 60 measles-linked child deaths reviewed this year, 48 occurred in Dhaka hospitals, including 18 from Dhaka district and 30 referred from other districts.
Outside Dhaka, 12 deaths were recorded. At Dhaka Medical College Hospital, 15 children died, 11 of whom were referred from outside the city.
At the Infectious Diseases Hospital, 10 deaths were reported, including six referred cases.
Dr Asif Haider, spokesperson for the DNCC COVID Dedicated Hospital, highlighted that most patients from outside Dhaka arrive in severe condition requiring immediate intensive care.
“Many children have already been treated elsewhere before being referred,” he said, noting that delays significantly increase the risk of death.
Professor Dr Jahid Rayhan, Additional Director General of DGHS, explained that many admitted children are already in poor health, and delays in care exacerbate their condition.
“Early treatment at upazila or district hospitals could prevent severe cases.
Although measles management is straightforward, complications increase mortality risk,” he said. Dr Rayhan also noted that unnecessary transfers between hospitals often worsen outcomes, and emphasised the need to stabilise patients at designated treatment centres.
Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Health Affairs, Dr SM Ziauddin Haider, described the rising deaths as “a matter of shame” for the authorities.
Speaking at a DGHS briefing, he noted that a national vaccination drive aims to cover 18 million children, with current coverage exceeding 104 per cent due to the inclusion of additional children. Dr Haider said the programme has helped stabilise transmission and reduce mortality trends.
