Children developing severe respiratory infections after measles infection as Dhaka hospitals report bed shortages and rising admissions amid ongoing outbreak

TDS Desk:

The measles outbreak in the country shows no clear signs of slowing, with hospitals in the capital continuing to face a growing influx of patients. While many children recover from measles with treatment, the emergence of pneumonia as a complication is making the situation increasingly complex, heightening anxiety among parents.

Doctors say that even after recovering from measles, many children later develop pneumonia, leading to prolonged and costly treatment. Hospitals are also grappling with a severe shortage of beds.

Pediatric specialists report a rise in complications among children with measles. In particular, pneumonia linked to adenovirus infections is being detected. There is no specific effective antibiotic against this virus, nor is there a widely available vaccine, increasing risks for children. Doctors advise that children showing symptoms such as fever, cough, or signs of measles should be kept in isolation.

In the 24 hours to yesterday morning, 100 patients were admitted to DNCC Hospital in Dhaka. Currently, 405 patients are undergoing treatment there. Although more than a hundred patients were discharged during the same period, the overall situation remains concerning. Experts say that although vaccination campaigns are ongoing, it may take another one to one-and-a-half months for their impact to become visible.

At the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Mohakhali, 20 patients were admitted in the 24 hours to yesterday morning, and one death was reported. Currently, 75 measles patients are receiving treatment there. Due to the surge in patient numbers, many are being treated in corridors, staircases, and even in front of elevators.

On the ground, a seven-month-old infant, Sohan, was seen receiving treatment on a staircase at the hospital. His mother said he was first treated in Sherpur before being admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where a blood infection was detected. He was later diagnosed with measles. After visiting multiple hospitals, he was finally admitted to the Infectious Diseases Hospital. Although his measles symptoms have improved, he continues to suffer from pneumonia, breathing difficulties, and fever.

Similarly, six-month-old Nosif from Cumilla was admitted after his condition worsened at home following initial treatment at a local hospital. He was later diagnosed with measles in Dhaka and is now suffering from pneumonia. Due to severe breathing difficulties, he is being given oxygen support.

Dr FA Asma Khanam, superintendent of the Infectious Diseases Hospital, said: “On humanitarian grounds, we are admitting patients even in corridors and staircases. In most children, measles improves, but pneumonia and other complications develop afterward.”

Dr Asif Haider of DNCC Hospital said: “Even after vaccination, caution is necessary. Children with fever, cough, or measles symptoms must be kept in isolation, as other children can become infected through close contact.” He emphasized that isolation is crucial.

Dr Atiqul Islam, a pediatric specialist at a children’s hospital, said complicated pneumonia cases often require two to three weeks of treatment. In severe cases, children may need ventilator support, making treatment significantly more expensive. “Such costs are difficult for many families, which is concerning,” he added.

Meanwhile, between 8am Saturday and 8am on Saturday, one child died from measles, while seven others died with measles-like symptoms, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

DGHS data shows that 1,421 suspected cases were reported in a single day, with 143 confirmed. Since March 15, total suspected cases have reached 32,028, with 216 suspected deaths, including 43 confirmed measles deaths.

The highest number of infections has been recorded in Dhaka division, followed by Rajshahi and Chittagong.