Post-measles complications rising among children
An increasing number of children who have recovered from measles are returning to hospitals with complications, particularly pneumonia and other infections
As Bangladesh continues to battle a severe measles outbreak that has already claimed 683 lives, physicians now warn that recovery from the disease does not mean the end of health risks for children.
An increasing number of children who have recovered from measles are returning to hospitals with complications, particularly pneumonia and other infections, as the disease weakens their immune system for weeks or even months after recovery, according to physicians.
Eight-month-old Sabrina Meherin Saiba is one such patient. She was admitted to a private hospital in Chattogram with measles on 12 May and returned home after two weeks of treatment. However, less than a month later, she was hospitalised again with post-measles pneumonia and required another week of treatment.
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Although there is no official data on post-measles complications as yet, physicians say cases are rising both in hospitals and private chambers.
According to government data, 77,743 patients have been hospitalised with measles or suspected measles from 15 March until yesterday morning, while 72,849 have recovered and been discharged.
Dr Kamruzzaman Kamrul, associate professor at Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute, told TBS that recurrent pneumonia has become a common complication among children recovering from measles.
"Children with weakened immunity are developing repeated episodes of pneumonia. Many are being readmitted within 10 to 20 days of leaving the hospital after recovering from measles," he said.
He added that the disease can also cause serious long-term complications. In rare cases, children may develop Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE), a progressive and fatal brain disorder that can appear years after a measles infection.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the SSPE generally develops seven to 10 years after measles, even among individuals who appeared to have fully recovered. The risk is higher for children infected before age two.
To reduce post-measles complications, Dr Kamrul advised parents to ensure nutritious diets, maintain hygiene, keep children away from dust and infections, and seek medical attention if any symptoms reappear.
The highest number of measles patients has so far been treated at the DNCC Covid Dedicated Hospital in Dhaka.
Dr Asif Haider, spokesperson for the hospital, said measles leaves children highly vulnerable to common viral infections.
"Viruses such as adenovirus and rhinovirus are always present around us. When immunity is strong, they cannot easily cause illness. But after measles, the immune system weakens, making children more susceptible to infection," he said.
He added that a significant share of current paediatric admissions at the hospital involve post-measles complications, with many children returning after developing pneumonia or other illnesses.
Dr Abu Hena Mostafa Kamal, head of the ICU at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, said parents should keep children in a clean environment and wash their hands before handling them. Otherwise, many children fall ill again and require readmission.
According to the Directorate General of Health Services, three more children died from measles-like syndrome in the 24 hours until 8am yesterday.
