Three More Children Die in Sylhet Measles Outbreak

Three more children have died after suffering from measles and pneumonia in Bangladesh’s Sylhet division, as health authorities continue to battle a prolonged outbreak that has placed significant pressure on hospitals across the region. During the same 24-hour period, another 58 patients with suspected measles were admitted to hospitals, highlighting that the disease remains a serious public health concern despite no newly confirmed laboratory cases being reported.

The three children died while receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital. The deceased have been identified as Tasfia, an 18-month-old girl from Khagaura village in Baniachang upazila of Habiganj; Abdullah, a one-year-and-seven-month-old boy from Bongagatia in Jamalganj upazila of Sunamganj; and Tanvir Ahmed, an eight-month-old boy from Harinapati area of Sunamganj Sadar upazila.

The deaths were confirmed by Dr Mahbubul Alam, Director of the Health Directorate for Sylhet Division. He said the children had been suffering from measles symptoms complicated by pneumonia, a condition that can become life-threatening, particularly among infants and young children whose immune systems are still developing.

According to the latest report from the Sylhet Divisional Health Directorate, a total of 545 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been recorded across the division since 1 January this year. Sunamganj has reported the highest number of confirmed infections with 287 cases, followed by Sylhet district with 180. Habiganj has recorded 56 confirmed cases, including two cases of rubella, while Moulvibazar has reported 22 confirmed measles cases.

Although laboratory testing did not identify any new confirmed measles cases over the past 24 hours, hospitals admitted 58 new patients displaying suspected measles symptoms. Of these, 29 were admitted to Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, 24 to Shaheed Shamsuddin Ahmed Hospital, two each to Moulvibazar District Sadar Hospital and Sunamganj District Sadar Hospital, and one to Mount Adora Hospital.

Health officials said 265 patients with suspected measles are currently receiving treatment in government and private hospitals across the division. Shaheed Shamsuddin Ahmed Hospital is treating 105 patients, while Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital has 92 admitted patients. Other healthcare facilities caring for patients include Ragib-Rabeya Medical Hospital (11), Mount Adora Hospital (3), North East Hospital (7), Lions Hospital (3), Bishwanath Upazila Health Complex (1), Fenchuganj Upazila Health Complex (1), Sunamganj District Sadar Hospital (29), Habiganj District Sadar Hospital (3), and Moulvibazar District Sadar Hospital (10).

The outbreak has claimed a growing number of lives. Health authorities reported that the cumulative death toll from suspected and laboratory-confirmed measles has now reached 103. Of these fatalities, 99 were classified as suspected measles cases and four were laboratory confirmed. The deaths include 102 children and one nurse.

District-wise, Sunamganj has recorded the highest number of deaths with 47, followed by Sylhet with 35, Moulvibazar with 12, and Habiganj with nine.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through respiratory droplets and can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and, in some cases, death. Young children, particularly those who are unvaccinated or have weakened immune systems, face the greatest risk of developing serious illness.

Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely and are urging parents and caregivers to seek immediate medical attention if children develop symptoms such as high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, or a characteristic skin rash, as early diagnosis and supportive treatment can help reduce the risk of severe complications.