A sudden rise in Measles cases has been reported in Cox’s Bazar, with at least 35 children currently admitted to hospitals, raising concern among health authorities.
Mariam Begum, a resident of Ramu, has been rushing between hospitals with her twin children since the day after Eid. The children initially developed fever and cough and were treated at a private hospital for a week.
When their condition did not improve, they were later diagnosed with measles and admitted to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital.
Similar cases have been reported from Moheshkhali, where another child was diagnosed with measles after showing symptoms of fever and cold. Family members of other affected children also reported hospital admissions in both government and private facilities.
Doctors say the number of infected children has increased. A separate ward has been opened at Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital for measles patients, where around 30 children are currently undergoing treatment. Another five patients are admitted to Cox’s Bazar General Hospital.
Dr. Shahidul Alam, assistant registrar of the paediatric department at Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital, said measles is a highly contagious viral disease that mainly affects children aged 6 months to 5 years.
Common symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and rashes that appear on the body after several days of fever.
He warned that malnourished children are more vulnerable to severe complications. The disease weakens the immune system, often leading to secondary infections such as Pneumonia, diarrhoea, eye inflammation, and mouth ulcers.
Health officials said cases have been reported from several areas, including Moheshkhali, Hwaikyong, and Mithachhari in Ramu, as well as parts of Cox’s Bazar town, such as Kalur Dokan, Pahartali, and Rumaliarchhara.
So far, at least 53 children have been diagnosed with measles, with dozens requiring hospitalisation.
Acting Civil Surgeon Dr Mohiuddin Mohammad Alamgir said measles vaccination is administered twice—at 9 months and 15 months—and that around 95 percent of children in the district are vaccinated. Adequate vaccine supply is also available, he added.
Doctors emphasized that parental awareness is crucial to preventing the disease. They advised against seeking treatment from local pharmacies and urged guardians to consult qualified physicians if symptoms appear.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
