Four children infected with measles and rubella in Thakurgaon// Concerns are growing, the health department is on alert

 The infectious diseases measles and rubella have struck Thakurgaon district in the north of the country. Four children from Sadar, Ranishankail and Haripur upazilas of the district have been identified in the list of infected people.

Among them, two children infected with measles and two children infected with rubella virus are under treatment. This has increased concern and panic among the public, while the health department is on alert. However, despite reports of infection at the field level, it is reported that the stock of vaccines in the central warehouse is empty.

According to local health departments and hospitals, children infected with measles show symptoms such as fever, body rash, cough and red eyes. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It spreads quickly through sneezing and coughing. On the other hand, rubella is relatively less serious. However, it is risky for children and pregnant women. If treatment is not taken on time, pneumonia, diarrhea or other complications may occur. Reluctance or incomplete vaccination may increase the infection. In addition, to avoid infection, the infected child should be kept separate from other children.

According to the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), the shortage has arisen due to the lack of a major national campaign since 2020 and a shortage of regular supplies.

Dr. Firoz Zaman Jewel, superintendent of the 250-bed Thakurgaon General Hospital, said that a four-bed isolation unit has been set up in the hospital to combat measles. Two children have been treated for measles. They are currently undergoing treatment at home.

Thakurgaon Civil Surgeon Dr Anisur Rahman said that the affected children are under observation. We sent samples of 6 children for measles testing. Two were infected with measles and two more children were infected with rubella. Immediately after this incident, surveillance in the surrounding areas was increased to prevent the spread of new infections. He urged people not to panic and seek medical advice immediately if symptoms appear.