Another child dies with measles symptoms in Mymensingh

Another child has died at the isolation ward of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH) with measles symptoms, officials said on Sunday.

With the latest death, the total number of fatalities in the hospital's measles isolation ward has risen to 28, said Associate Professor Dr. Mohd. Golam Maula, focal person of the ward.

He said a seven-month-old girl from Muktagachha in Mymensingh was admitted on May 8 with measles symptoms and was receiving treatment. However, she died in the early hours of Monday due to post-measles pneumonia and respiratory failure.

Dr. Golam Maula said 24 more children were admitted in the last 24 hours, while a total of 89 children are currently undergoing treatment there.

He said a total of 1,244 children have been admitted with measles symptoms since March 17. Of them, 1,027 have been discharged and 28 have died.

He added that 35 more children recovered and were discharged in the last 24 hours.

The minimum age of patients admitted ranges from three months to 10 years, with most cases involving children aged between three months and one year.

Mymensingh Medical College Hospital Assistant Director (Administration) Dr. Mohammad Mainuddin Khan said three medical teams have been formed to manage treatment in the measles isolation ward, and all patients are receiving proper care.

He also said a children's ICU has not yet been launched due to shortages of manpower and equipment, but Bubble CPAP (bCPAP) support is currently being used.

During a visit to the area, UNB observed that many patients were receiving treatment on the floor and hospital balconies due to a shortage of beds.

Meanwhile, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), 11 more children died from measles and measles-like symptoms across the country in the 24 hours till 8:0