Measles Surge in Manikganj Hospitalises 14 Children

A sudden and concerning rise in measles infections has been reported in Manikganj, where 14 children have been admitted to various hospitals within the last 48 hours alone. The sharp uptick has raised public health concerns, prompting authorities to step up monitoring and treatment efforts across the district.

The information was confirmed on Tuesday (31 March) by the Civil Surgeon of Manikganj, Dr A K M Mofakhkharul Islam. According to health officials, a total of 39 children have been diagnosed with measles in the district since January this year, indicating a steady increase in infections over recent months.

Patients have been admitted across multiple healthcare facilities, including Manikganj Medical College Hospital, Munno Medical College Hospital, Singair Upazila Health Complex, Gheor Upazila Health Complex, Saturia Upazila Health Complex, Manikganj Sadar Hospital, Daulatpur Upazila Health Complex, and Harirampur Upazila Health Complex. The distribution of cases across several facilities indicates a geographically widespread outbreak rather than an isolated cluster.

To manage the growing patient load, Manikganj Medical College Hospital has already established a dedicated 10-bed isolation unit for measles cases. Hospital authorities noted that although the paediatric department has a capacity of 48 beds, the increasing number of admissions necessitated the creation of a separate treatment zone to ensure better infection control and focused care.

Measles Cases Reported in Manikganj (Since January)

Civil Surgeon Dr Mofakhkharul Islam sought to reassure the public, stating that there is no need for panic as treatment facilities are available and most children recover fully with timely medical intervention. He emphasised that early detection and prompt hospitalisation are key to preventing complications.

“Measles outbreaks are manageable with proper medical care. Parents should remain alert but not panic. If symptoms such as fever and skin rash appear, children should be taken to hospital immediately without delay,” he said.

However, the rise in cases has triggered concern among parents and guardians. One resident from Daulatpur Upazila, Rubel Mia, shared that his one-year-old son developed a high fever shortly after returning home during the Eid holidays. Despite initial local treatment, the condition worsened, followed by the appearance of a red rash across the body. The child was later admitted to Manikganj Medical College Hospital, where doctors confirmed a measles diagnosis. He added that although some vaccinations had been administered after birth, the full immunisation schedule had not been completed.

Medical experts at Manikganj Medical College Hospital, including Assistant Professor Dr Humayun Kabir from the paediatrics department, have highlighted a clear link between incomplete vaccination and increased susceptibility to infection. He stressed that children who do not receive routine immunisation are at significantly higher risk of contracting measles and experiencing complications.

Public health specialists further warn that vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure against measles, with no viable alternative for controlling its spread. They have also urged authorities to strengthen immunisation coverage, improve awareness campaigns, and ensure rapid response mechanisms to contain further transmission.

As the district continues to monitor the situation, health authorities are focusing on expanding surveillance and ensuring adequate treatment capacity, while urging parents to complete childhood vaccination schedules to prevent further outbreaks.