Measles Outbreak in Faridpur: One Child Dies, Hospitals Overcrowded

A measles outbreak is intensifying across Faridpur, mirroring a nationwide trend. In the last 24 hours, 10 children were admitted to local government hospitals with symptoms. Tragically, a seven-month-old infant, identified as Rahima, died yesterday afternoon at Faridpur Medical College Hospital (FMCH) after five days of treatment.

Currently, 23 children are hospitalized for the disease. To manage the surge, FMCH has established a dedicated isolation ward. However, the influx of patients has exceeded bed capacity, forcing many children to receive medical care on floors and balconies.

Faridpur Civil Surgeon, Dr. Md. Muniruzzaman, confirmed that 65 patients have been treated for measles symptoms recently. He noted that the deceased infant, Rahima, was a resident of Madaripur district and had been undergoing treatment since March 27.

Health officials are currently collecting samples from all symptomatic patients to be sent to Dhaka for laboratory confirmation.