Measles surge: 31 more children hospitalized in Chattogram

In Chattogram, 31 more children were admitted to hospitals with measles-like symptoms in the past 24 hours, raising the total number of treated cases to over 500. However, health officials believe the actual figure in the private sector is several times higher.

According to data from the Civil Surgeon’s office, 157 children are currently receiving treatment for measles-like symptoms in various hospitals.

Civil Surgeon Jahangir Alam said authorities have collected samples from 541 patients so far and sent them to Dhaka for testing. Of them, 53 have tested positive for measles. In the past 24 hours alone, 12 new cases were confirmed. The total number of patients treated so far stands at 504.

The Civil Surgeon’s office has confirmed one child death due to measles so far. However, unofficial estimates suggest at least five deaths.

A physician at Chattogram Medical College Hospital, speaking on condition uof anonymity, said the actual number of patients with measles symptoms is significantly higher than reported. He added that many hospitals do not regularly report daily measles data to the Civil Surgeon’s office. He also noted that deaths linked to measles symptoms are not being accurately documented.