Chattogram: A study conducted by a team of pediatricians in Chattogram has found that no new variant of the measles virus is responsible for the recent outbreak and spread of the disease in southern Bangladesh. Genome sequencing of measles virus samples showed that all tested cases were infected with the B-3 genotype, a strain associated with measles outbreaks worldwide. No novel viral variant was detected in the study.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the researchers identified three major factors hindering the containment of measles: inadequate immunization coverage, nutritional deficiencies among mothers and children, and nosocomial transmission, or infections acquired during hospital visits. They recommended comprehensive vaccination programmes for infants from six months of age, adequate nutritional interventions for mothers and children, and the establishment of a specialised measles treatment facility in Chattogram.
The study, titled "Measles Outbreak 2026 in Southern Bangladesh: Epidemiological Profile, Clinical Characteristics, Genetic Analysis with Maternal and Child Antibody Status," was conducted by the Esperia Health Research and Development Foundation in collaboration with Chattogram City Corporation and the Pediatric Research Group of Chattogram Medical College. The findings were presented this afternoon at a programme held at the conference hall of Chattogram Medical College.
Dr Kamrun Nahar, associate professor of the Department of Pediatrics at Chattogram Medical College, led the study as its principal investigator. The research team included Dr Selina Haque, Dr Ayesha Begum, Dr Mohammad Jabed Bin Amin Chowdhury, Dr Sayeda Humayda Hasan, Dr Asma Ferdousi, and Dr Sanjana Islam of Chattogram Mother and Child Hospital; Professor Dr Mia Manzur Ahmed of Cumilla Medical College; and Professor Dr M.S. Zaman of Cox's Bazar Medical College.
Professor Dr Mohammad Musa Mia of Chattogram Medical College and M.A. Hasan, former head of the Department of Medicine at the institution, served as advisers to the research initiative. Golam Baki Masud, chairman of the Esperia Health Research and Development Foundation, presented the findings at the event. Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain attended the programme as the chief guest.
According to the study, 58.2 percent, or 167, of the children diagnosed with measles had not been vaccinated. Of them, 46 percent were under nine months of age. The researchers said the decline in immunization coverage across the country since 2020, coupled with inadequate public awareness about vaccination, has contributed to the growing number of unvaccinated children.
The study also found that unvaccinated children were about twice as likely as vaccinated children to develop severe complications from measles. No deaths were recorded among vaccinated children in the study. The researchers identified poverty, living in slums or rural areas, overcrowded and confined housing, and poor ventilation as factors associated with a higher risk of complications.
The study found that 55 percent of children whose mothers had no history of measles vaccination developed severe complications. Similarly, 40 percent of children whose mothers tested negative for measles IgG antibodies suffered severe complications. However, the researchers noted that even children whose mothers tested positive for IgG antibodies were not completely protected against pneumonia or severe complications from measles.
Professor Dr Belayet Hossain Dhali, president of the Chattogram Pediatric Association; Dr Sheikh Fazle Rabbi, divisional health director; Dr Mohammad Sajedur Rahman, Chattogram district civil surgeon; Brigadier General Taslim Uddin, director of Chattogram Medical College Hospital; and Professor Dr Jasim Uddin, principal of Chattogram Medical College, among others, attended the programme.