Measles Surge Strikes Netrokona Children Hospitalised

A gradual rise in measles infections has been reported in Netrokona district, with health authorities confirming that nine children have so far tested positive for the highly contagious viral disease. Of those infected, four have already recovered and returned home, while five children are currently undergoing treatment at Netrokona Modern District Hospital.

The information was confirmed on Tuesday (31 March) by the district civil surgeon’s office and hospital sources, as medical teams continue monitoring the situation closely amid concerns of further spread among young children.

According to hospital data, the infected children are aged between six months and three years. The cases have been recorded across several upazilas of the district, including four in Sadar, two in Purbadhala, two in Atpara, and one in Kalmakanda. Health officials have noted that the majority of patients fall within the high-risk age group of zero to five years, where complications from measles are more likely to occur.

Doctors at the hospital report that children are being admitted with symptoms including fever, runny nose, cough, and characteristic reddish skin rashes. Following clinical examinations and laboratory testing, these cases have been confirmed as measles infections.

All affected children are currently being treated in a dedicated isolation ward established within the paediatric unit. However, concerns have been raised by some guardians regarding shortages of essential medicines in the facility, forcing families to purchase prescribed drugs from external pharmacies.

One guardian, Fulan Rani Sarkar, stated that her child had been suffering from fever for three days before developing a rash, after which they were brought to hospital and diagnosed with measles. She also alleged that certain necessary medicines were unavailable in the isolation ward, creating additional hardship for families.

Medical Officer of the Paediatric Department, Md Abu Raihan Khan, confirmed that a separate treatment corner has been established for measles patients to minimise the risk of transmission within the hospital. He added that healthcare staff are providing the best possible care within limited resources.

However, he acknowledged shortages of several essential supplies, including vitamin A capsules, paracetamol syrup, antibiotics, and eye drops. As a result, guardians are currently required to purchase these medications externally. He further noted that a previous disruption in oxygen supply had been resolved and services were now functioning normally.

Health experts have reiterated that measles is a highly infectious disease that spreads easily through respiratory droplets. They warned that children who have not received routine vaccinations are particularly vulnerable, and emphasised the importance of timely immunisation through the national Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI).

Civil Surgeon Dr Golam Mawla stated that treatment is being ensured for all infected children and confirmed that there is no shortage of vaccines in the district. He added that necessary steps have already been taken to bring the situation under control and prevent further spread.

Measles Situation in Netrokona

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with health officials urging parents to ensure children receive all recommended vaccinations on schedule to prevent further outbreaks in the district.