Measles Complications in Children

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified five major categories of complications that commonly affect children infected with measles. These complications can be severe and, in some cases, fatal. Paediatric health specialists similarly emphasise that measles can significantly damage child health, with certain effects carrying a risk of long-term impairment.

According to WHO’s detailed disease profile, measles infection may lead to impaired vision, acute diarrhoea with dehydration, ear infections, pneumonia or severe respiratory complications, and encephalitis, which is an inflammation of the brain. Encephalitis in particular can result in lasting neurological damage.

WHO-identified complications of measles

The Directorate General of Health Services’ integrated control centre continues to report daily data on measles infections, deaths, and recoveries. So far, 264 children have died from measles. However, comprehensive information on the health condition of the larger number of infected children after recovery remains unavailable, and no systematic follow-up mechanism has been established by the health authorities.

In one case, Koli Begum from the southern district of Barguna is currently staying in Dhaka with her 10-month-old son, Abdul, at a relative’s residence. The child was admitted to a private hospital in Mirpur from the 4th to the 23rd of the month. Medical staff there have stated that he has recovered from measles.

Koli Begum reported that her son first developed fever and cold-like symptoms in early March. He was treated on three occasions at Barguna Sadar Hospital and later at Barishal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital. As his condition did not improve, he was taken to Dhaka for further treatment. She noted that the child still experiences difficulty in breathing and has not fully recovered.

In another case, Harun Al Rashid from the Jurain area of the capital reported that his eight-month-old twin children, Jabian and Jahian, were hospitalised for nearly two months and returned home two days ago. The twins contracted measles at six months of age. He stated that both children have lost significant weight and are experiencing multiple health complications following treatment.

Medical professionals from the Bangladesh Children’s Hospital and Institute and the Infectious Diseases Hospital have observed that children affected by measles frequently develop pneumonia, ear infections, malnutrition, and oral ulcers.

Professor Abid Hossain Mollah, former chairman of the paediatrics department at Dhaka Medical College, noted that measles infection reduces vitamin A levels in the body. A deficiency of vitamin A can lead to dry eyes and potential ocular damage. He further explained that vitamin A deficiency may also cause night blindness, and in malnourished children, measles can worsen the condition to the extent of causing visual impairment.

WHO also reports that measles-related encephalitis may result in seizures and epilepsy-like conditions in affected children.

Experts further state that measles infection during pregnancy can pose risks, including premature birth and low birth weight in newborns.

Despite the known risks, discussions on long-term complications remain limited among the general public and within the health administration. There is also limited evidence of structured awareness campaigns or coordinated civil society initiatives focused on these post-measles complications.

Former Chief Scientific Officer of the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Mushtaq Hossain, emphasised the importance of administering high-dose vitamin A to malnourished children upon hospital admission and ensuring maternal supplementation so that infants receive adequate nutrition through breast milk. He also highlighted the need for coordinated support from local government, non-government organisations, and social welfare programmes to address malnutrition among affected families.