The outbreak of the infectious disease measles has increased at an alarming rate in Rajshahi division of North Bengal. According to the latest data from the Health Department, 26 areas of this division have been identified as measles ‘hotspots’. However, the most worrying aspect of this outbreak is that not only children, but adults are also being affected by this contagious disease.

The Health Department said that after several field tests, the presence of measles in the body of adults has been confirmed. Although measles is generally considered a disease of children, this trend of adults being affected has raised concerns among public health experts. Health experts say that measles is a highly contagious airborne disease. The spread of this disease among the elderly is a major threat to public health. In adults, complications of measles can often be more severe than in children.

Ramech media spokesperson Dr. Shankar K Biswas said that from 9 am last Saturday to 9 am yesterday Sunday (in the last 24 hours), two children died of measles at Ramech Hospital. 24 people were admitted as suspected measles. 36 patients have recovered from measles and returned home. The number of measles suspected children admitted to Ramech Hospital at present is 125, including new and old cases.

He said that the number of patients admitted to Ramech Hospital yesterday, Sunday, was higher than before. As the patient pressure continues to increase, there are plans to convert an entire children’s ward into a measles isolation unit. At the same time, initiatives are being taken to transfer measles-infected children in the ICU to the Heart Foundation Hospital in Rajshahi under the direction of the Health Secretary. 6 more beds have been added to the 12 beds in the ICU. Now, the total number of beds in the pediatric ICU is 18, of which 12 are for measles-infected children and the remaining 6 are being used for other children (including measles-allergic diseases) other than measles.

Rajshahi Divisional Health Director Dr. Habibur Rahman told the media that the measles situation is under control. The situation was very bad even two weeks ago. However, after increasing awareness and intensive medical activities, the situation is improving. The infection rate is decreasing. An emergency meeting was held on Saturday with health experts including civil surgeons of eight districts. It has been decided to strengthen intensive medical services to control measles and start vaccination activities. In addition, instructions have been given to identify the areas of the division where measles outbreaks are high and strengthen health activities in those areas.

According to the Disease Control Cell of the Divisional Health Director’s Office, currently 229 people are being treated for measles infection and measles symptoms in various hospitals and health centers in eight districts of the division. However, 143 people have been confirmed to have measles in the division so far through sample tests. Although various parties claim that 55 children have died of measles in the division from January to March, the official figure is 17. On the other hand, 38 children have died of measles and symptoms at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital.

Talking to several affected families, it was learned that the health department is hiding information about the outbreak, infection and child deaths of measles. The information from each organization and institution is different and there are major discrepancies in the numbers. According to sources, 26 areas of Rajshahi division have been identified as measles infection hotspots. Although a significant portion of the infected are below 6 months of age, evidence has been found that adults are also being infected this time. The infection rate stands at 34.70 percent according to the latest sample tests conducted till last Friday. To control the situation, special vaccination activities have started in the affected areas of Rajshahi division from Sunday. Assistant Director of the Disease Control Department of the Divisional Health Director’s Office Dr. Rozi Ara Khatun confirmed the matter to the media.

Sources also said that from the second week of March to April 3, the World Health Organization (WHO) collected and tested samples of 520 children from various hospitals in Rajshahi division. Out of these, 143 were diagnosed with measles. Currently, 229 people are undergoing treatment in hospitals across the division with symptoms. The Health Department said that areas where multiple patients are being identified are being identified as outbreak areas. So far, 26 areas in the division have been identified as measles hotspots. Of these, the highest number is 10 in Pabna, 6 in Rajshahi including 5 in the metropolis, 5 in Naogaon, 3 in Chapainawabganj and one each in Natore and Sirajganj. Those concerned fear that this number may increase further. However, the officials concerned claim that the rate of measles infection will come under control soon as intensive treatment activities are being strengthened.

Divisional Health Director Dr. Habibur Rahman further told the media that areas where multiple children are found infected with measles are being considered as outbreaks or affected areas. These areas have been identified. Special vaccination programs have been taken up in the areas since Sunday. Meanwhile, it is not only children who are being infected with measles. Four elderly people are being treated at Rajshahi Medical College with sample tests and symptoms. Among them are 50-year-old Kaimuddin, 35-year-old Badrul Islam, 16-year-old Shahadi Islam and an unidentified elderly patient. A doctor at Ramech Hospital said that these four people have measles symptoms. Two of the four have been diagnosed with measles infection. The doctors further said that these four elderly patients came to the hospital with symptoms such as fever, body rash, cough, vomiting and diarrhea. In some cases, other complications including pneumonia are also occurring.

When asked about this, Health Director Dr. Habibur Rahman told the media that this is nothing new. Adults can also be infected with measles. There are precedents for such incidents in the past. However, they recovered with treatment. He also said that the situation will improve quickly if vaccination activities are strengthened. As a result, emphasis is being placed on starting measles vaccination activities in risky areas.

Rajshahi Medical Hospital spokesperson Dr. Shankar Kumar Biswas told the media that a 40-bed measles isolation ward has already been opened. In addition, isolation corners have been set up in each ward of the pediatric and medicine departments. If necessary, preparations are underway to completely turn a pediatric ward into a measles isolation ward. He also said that additional oxygen lines are being installed in the pediatric ward to deal with the situation. The number of beds in the pediatric ICU has been increased from 12 to 18, of which 12 are designated for children with measles.