Another Child Dies of Measles at Rangpur Medical College Hospital, Three Deaths in 15 Days

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Rangpur Bureau: Another child infected with measles has died at Rangpur Medical College Hospital. With this, three children infected with measles have died at the hospital in the last 15 days, raising fresh concerns about public health.

On Sunday (May 3) afternoon, Assistant Professor of the Pediatric Department at the hospital, A N M Tanvir Chowdhury (Noman), confirmed the matter. He said the deceased child’s name was Hasan, aged eight months. The child died at around 7 a.m. on Sunday while undergoing treatment.

Earlier, another child named Zakir, who was being treated at Rangpur Medical College (RMC) Hospital with measles symptoms, also died. The 22-month-old child died on Friday (May 1) night in the isolation ward of the Pediatric Department. Zakir was the son of Sabuj Mia from Ulipur in Kurigram district. He was admitted to the hospital on the night of April 30 with measles-like symptoms.

Previously, on April 17, another child named Tanzid, aged seven months, who had been admitted with measles symptoms at the same hospital, also died. As a result, at least three children have died recently with measles-like symptoms, creating additional concern among health officials.

Dr. A N M Tanvir Chowdhury (Noman) said, “The condition of the eight-month-old child was initially stable, but after being fed on Saturday night, his physical condition suddenly deteriorated. Despite all efforts, he could not be saved.”

Hospital sources said the deceased child was from Saptibari area under Harati Union in Lalmonirhat Sadar Upazila. He was admitted to Rangpur Medical College Hospital on the evening of April 28 and had since been under treatment in the hospital’s measles corner.

The child’s father, Rakib Mia, said that his son fell ill shortly after Eid-ul-Fitr. He was first treated locally and later admitted several times to Lalmonirhat Sadar Hospital. As his condition worsened, he was taken to Rangpur Medical College Hospital.

Meanwhile, according to the latest hospital data, eight more children with measles-like symptoms were admitted in the last 24 hours. During the same period, 12 children recovered and returned home after treatment. Currently, 34 children are admitted to the measles corner of the hospital.

Hospital authorities said a total of 176 patients have received treatment so far in the inpatient department. Most of them are children, although currently two women and one man aged between 18 and 45 are also admitted.

Doctors said patients with measles are generally arriving at the hospital with symptoms such as fever, red rashes on the body, runny nose, and cough. In many cases, delayed admission to the hospital is increasing complications and creating risks.

Health experts say vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles. If children are not brought under the routine immunization programme, the situation could become even more complicated. They also emphasized the importance of promptly identifying infected individuals, isolating them, and ensuring proper treatment.

The spread of measles and the resulting deaths in Rangpur have increased concern among local residents. In particular, parents are worried about the safety of their children. In this situation, concerned authorities are stressing adherence to health guidelines and participation in vaccination programmes.

The Director of Rangpur Medical College Hospital, Brigadier General Ashikur Rahman, said, “Although measles is a contagious disease, it is preventable if timely treatment and vaccination are ensured. We have set up a separate corner in the hospital and strengthened treatment services. It is important for parents to be aware, especially to ensure regular vaccination of children.”

He further added that doctors and nurses at the hospital are making every effort to ensure the rapid recovery of infected patients and to reduce the mortality rate.

Officials from the Directorate General of Health Services said that from March 30 to May 2, a total of 877 people in the Rangpur division were infected with measles-like symptoms. Of them, 805 have already recovered and returned home. Currently, 72 patients are receiving treatment in various hospitals, and the condition of some of them is serious.