Rangpur: The Health Department of Rangpur division has confirmed measles-rubella infections in 11 children out of a total of 116 suspected cases based on symptoms. "Among them, seven children have been diagnosed with measles and four with rubella. However, no deaths have been reported from anywhere in the division," said Divisional Director (Health) Dr Md Gausul Azim Chowdhury.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the number of suspected patients in the division has increased to 116, with seven new cases reported in Dinajpur and Panchagarh districts over the last 24 hours. The suspected cases are distributed across various districts, including 25 in Dinajpur, 21 in Gaibandha, 19 in Rangpur, 16 in Nilphamari, 12 in Kurigram, 10 in Panchagarh, eight in Thakurgaon, and five in Lalmonirhat.
The measles outbreak in all eight districts of Rangpur division appears to be lower compared to some other regions in the country. Samples from each patient with symptoms visiting district or upazila-level hospitals are being collected and sent to Dhaka for testing. So far, 93 of the 116 suspected patients with measles-rubella symptoms have been admitted to medical facilities within the division.
Out of those admitted, 63 children have recovered and returned home, while 30 continue to receive treatment. Specific numbers of patients undergoing treatment include three in Lalmonirhat, three in Dinajpur, three in Gaibandha, seven in Thakurgaon, three in Dinajpur Medical College Hospital, and 11 in Rangpur Medical College Hospital.
Efforts to combat the outbreak include treating patients in isolation rooms. Professor Dr Ayesha Sultana, head of the pediatric department at Rangpur Medical College and Hospital, noted that many patients are recovering and returning home, and additional rooms are being prepared to accommodate new admissions.
Divisional Health Director Gausul Azim Chowdhury stated that isolation corners have been established in two medical college hospitals, district hospitals, and upazila health complexes to treat measles patients. He expressed optimism that there will be no issues in managing the infected patients.
The regular measles-rubella vaccination programme continues in Rangpur division, targeting children who have not yet been vaccinated. "So far, the measles-rubella infection situation in Rangpur division is completely under control," Chowdhury added.