Health authorities in Chattogram reported a sharp rise in children showing measles symptoms, with most of the affected being unvaccinated. Over the past 84 hours, 26 new children were admitted to various hospitals, bringing the total number of patients under treatment to 55. Among them, seven have been confirmed with measles and one with rubella. A five-and-a-half-month-old child from Cox’s Bazar, admitted to Chattogram Medical College Hospital, died in the ICU, though confirmation of measles as the cause awaits lab results.

According to the Civil Surgeon’s Office, 91 samples have been sent to the National Polio and Measles-Rubella Laboratory in Dhaka for testing. Data from Chattogram Medical College Hospital show that only three of the 33 admitted children received two vaccine doses, nine received one dose, and 21 were unvaccinated. Most of the unvaccinated are under nine months old. Health experts emphasized the need for full participation in routine immunization programs to prevent wider outbreaks.

Officials warned that without improved vaccination coverage, the current rise in infections could escalate further in the coming months.