Measles outbreak spreads among children in Sylhet; isolation unit opened

A sudden outbreak of measles among children has triggered alarm across Bangladesh, with multiple deaths reported in recent days, while Sylhet is witnessing a rising number of infections.

To contain the spread, an isolation unit has been opened at Sylhet Shahid Shamsuddin Ahmed District Hospital for the treatment of confirmed and suspected measles patients.

According to the Sylhet Divisional Health Office, as of today (30 March), 30 children have been identified as suspected measles cases across the division. Blood samples have been sent to Dhaka for laboratory testing.

At present, 16 patients are undergoing treatment at the hospital. Previously, 20 suspected patients had been admitted, but four were discharged today after showing improvement.

Before Eid-ul-Fitr, laboratory tests confirmed measles in four children from different districts in the division. Health officials said those patients have now largely recovered.

Sylhet Divisional Health Office Assistant Director (Disease Control) Dr Mohammad Nure Alam Shamim Ahmed said, "The suspected cases are showing symptoms such as fever, diarrhoea and skin rashes."

He noted that it usually takes four to five days to receive test results from Dhaka, after which infections can be confirmed.

Authorities are also transferring suspected patients from other hospitals to Shahid Shamsuddin Ahmed District Hospital to ensure proper isolation, as measles is highly contagious and can spread rapidly among children.

The isolation unit at the hospital was launched on Thursday (26 March) in response to the rising number of cases.

Hospital Superintendent Dr Mizanur Rahman said, "Among the 16 patients currently under treatment, 14 are children, while two are adults. Samples from all admitted patients have been sent for testing, and two children are in critical condition."

Earlier, confirmed cases were reported in several areas, including Chunarughat, Bahubal, Madhabpur, and Chhatak.