Dhaka: Since a sufficient number of children have been vaccinated against measles across the country, specialist doctors are hopeful that the measles outbreak will subside within the next three to four weeks. Doctors expressed this optimism today at a press conference organized by the Lung Foundation, an organization of chest disease specialists, and the Chest and Heart Association at the Abu Sayeed Convention Center in the capital.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the expert physicians stated that the measles outbreak is ongoing in the country. They expressed grief over the deaths of children affected by this outbreak and extended their condolences to the grieving parents. The doctors noted that this irreversible loss has become a cause of sorrow and pain in the national life.
The doctors highlighted that a major complication of measles is pneumonia, which is a leading cause of death from measles. They further explained that children are being severely affected by both viral and bacterial types of pneumonia. In response to this complication, the country’s chest disease specialists and pediatricians have submitted four proposals to the government regarding the necessary steps to be taken.
The proposals include continuing the measles vaccination campaign on a priority basis and establishing fever corners in district, upazila, and divisional health centers in remote areas, ensuring the presence of necessary health workers. The doctors also emphasized the need for parents to be more aware regarding sick children, advising that as soon as a child falls ill, they must be taken to the hospital to prevent worsening of the illness.
Prominent medical professionals including Child Specialist Professor Abid Hossain Molla, Pediatric Pulmonologist and Senior Vice President of the Bangladesh Lung Foundation Professor Dr. Ruhul Amin, Vice President of the Chest and Heart Association of Bangladesh Professor Dr. Anarul Anam Kibria, Pediatrician Professor Dr. Nurul Amin, Joint Secretary of the Bangladesh Lung Foundation Dr. Kazi Saifuddin Benu, Specialist Physician Professor Dr. Asif Mostafa Mahmud, and Secretary General of the Chest and Heart Association of Bangladesh Dr. Golam Sarwar Bidyut were present at the press conference.