Online Desk 

The measles situation in the country is becoming increasingly alarming. An analysis of data from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) shows that a significant number of children are dying within the first two days of being admitted to hospital. Experts say delayed hospitalization, malnutrition, and lack of vaccination are making the crisis more severe.

According to an analysis of the deaths of 60 children conducted by the Management Information System (MIS) of the DGHS, all of the children had confirmed measles infections. However, no information was collected regarding whether they had received measles vaccines.

The data shows that five children died on the very day they were admitted to hospital. Another nine died within one day of admission, while nine more died within two days. In total, 24 children—around 40 percent of the total deaths—died within the first 48 hours of hospitalization.

On the other hand, 17 children died after receiving treatment for 10 days or more. One child died 37 days after being admitted.

One of the most concerning aspects of the outbreak is the high number of deaths among very young children. A total of 29 children aged between three and eight months died, most of whom had not yet reached the age for routine measles vaccination.

In addition, 21 children aged between 9 and 15 months died. Two children aged between 16 months and 2 years, and seven children aged between 2 and 5 years also lost their lives. One nine-year-old child was among the deceased as well.

The analysis also found that although 18 of the children were residents of Dhaka district, another 30 children were brought to Dhaka from other districts for treatment. Altogether, 48 children died in hospitals in Dhaka, while the remaining 12 died in hospitals outside the capital.

The highest number of deaths occurred at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where 15 children died. Of them, 11 were from districts outside Dhaka. The second-highest number of deaths was recorded at the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Mohakhali. Among private hospitals, Enam Medical College Hospital in Savar reported the highest number of deaths, with six children dying there.

Public health experts say there are major gaps in the collection of death-related information. Important details such as vaccination status, whether the children were admitted to intensive care units (ICU), or if they had received treatment elsewhere before hospitalization are missing.

Public health expert Professor Benazir Ahmed said at least 31 of the deceased children were old enough to receive the measles vaccine. However, there is no information on whether they had been vaccinated or completed the required doses. According to him, without proper analysis of death data, it is impossible to accurately determine the real causes and risks behind the fatalities.