The number of children admitted with measles symptoms at the paediatric ward of Chattogram Medical College Hospital has risen sharply in recent weeks, creating significant pressure on available resources and bed capacity. Hospital staff report that due to severe overcrowding, most beds are now being shared by two patients, while in some cases intravenous saline is being administered to children while they remain in their mothers’ laps.
According to hospital sources, the patient load in the paediatric ward has increased several times over the past month. Doctors and nurses on duty have described a continuous inflow of children presenting with symptoms consistent with measles, contributing to congestion across the ward. On a visit conducted on Tuesday, the ward was observed to be densely occupied, with limited space for movement and a high concentration of patients receiving treatment simultaneously.
The situation has forced hospital authorities to adopt emergency arrangements for patient management. The sharing of beds has become a common practice due to the shortage of available space. Medical staff are also administering treatment in unconventional positions, including providing intravenous fluids while children are held by their mothers, reflecting the strain on infrastructure.
Hospital records indicate that the situation has escalated over the past month, with the number of affected children rising steadily. According to the hospital source, up to 51 children have died after showing measles-related symptoms at the facility so far. The statement reflects the cumulative toll recorded within the hospital’s paediatric unit during the ongoing increase in cases.
Patient Situation Overview
| Category |
Reported Status |
| Main condition |
Measles symptoms among children |
| Location |
Paediatric ward, Chattogram Medical College Hospital |
| Bed occupancy |
Predominantly two patients per bed |
| Treatment conditions |
Some children receiving saline in mothers’ laps |
| Time trend |
Patient load increased several times over the last month |
| Reported deaths |
Up to 51 children (hospital source) |
Medical staff have noted that the continuous arrival of patients has placed considerable pressure on both space and routine clinical operations. The paediatric ward, designed for a standard capacity, is currently operating beyond its intended limits. As a result, healthcare providers are managing care through improvised arrangements while attempting to accommodate the growing number of admissions.
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects children and can lead to serious complications, particularly in overcrowded or resource-limited healthcare settings. Transmission typically occurs through respiratory droplets, making hospital infection control measures especially important in wards with high patient density.
The situation at Chattogram Medical College Hospital highlights the challenges faced in managing sudden increases in paediatric infectious disease cases within constrained hospital infrastructure. Hospital authorities continue to provide treatment within available resources while managing the increasing patient inflow.
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