RAJSHAHI — Tests have confirmed measles in just one of 30 children who died this year with measles-like symptoms at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, said Professor Dr. Sahida Yasmin, head of the hospital’s pediatric department.
Speaking to reporters Monday afternoon, March 30, Yasmin said measles was not detected in the other 29 cases.
A total of 270 children are currently admitted to the hospital with measles-like symptoms, and measles has been confirmed in 35 of them, she said. Of the 30 children who have died from measles-like symptoms this year, one tested positive and the remaining 29 tested negative.
Yasmin said designated corners had been set up for infected patients, while routine treatment for other children continues in the general pediatric ward. Isolation areas have been created in two wards. “If the patient load increases, we will look at expanding,” she said.
About 65 percent of the affected children are under 6 months old, which is a concern for doctors, she said. The number of cases in children over one year is very small.
Hospital Director Brig. Gen. PKM Masudul Islam said the facility has 1,260 beds but admits 2,500 to 3,500 patients a day, putting heavy pressure on services. Despite limited staff and infrastructure, doctors are doing their best to provide care, he said.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report