Dhaka, March 30 (NationPress) A surge in measles cases has been reported in Bangladesh, with at least six new patients showing symptoms admitted to the Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH), raising the total in the pediatric ward to 18 on Monday, as per local media sources.

Muhammad Musa, the head of the Pediatric Department at CMCH, confirmed that all patients have been isolated.

Recent reports indicate that measles is spreading through Dhaka and other districts, leading to the deaths of 38 children this year due to the disease and its complications.

Notably, 32 of these fatalities occurred in March, with 21 reported at the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH) in Mohakhali, including three on Sunday, amidst a significant influx of patients from various regions, as reported by The Daily Star.

Health specialists attribute the outbreak primarily to gaps in vaccination coverage, with numerous children either not participating in the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) or not completing their full vaccination schedules, rendering them susceptible.

Factors such as missed vaccination appointments, lack of awareness, and delays due to illness contribute to the low return rates for vaccinations, while occasional vaccine shortages exacerbate the situation.

Despite a high overall vaccination rate, around 10 percent of children remain unvaccinated. The government has initiated periodic "catch-up" campaigns to mitigate this issue, but a planned program at the end of 2024 was not executed due to unfavorable conditions, leaving many children vulnerable.

Experts have noted that high population density and prevalent child malnutrition have further accelerated the disease's spread, according to a report by the Dhaka Tribune.

Shrebash Paul, a junior consultant at the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Mohakhali, mentioned that the hospital recorded 560 measles cases in the first three months of 2026, a significant increase from just 69 cases in 2025.

The monthly admissions surged from 35 in January to 88 in February, followed by a sharp increase in March. While only 10 percent of samples tested positive in previous years, this year, the rate has surged to 90 percent.

Paul indicated that the majority of infected children are below nine months old and have not received their vaccinations.

Hospitals are currently under immense strain, with patients being treated on cabin floors, in corridors, and even in front of lifts due to a lack of beds. Although the Bangladesh government has instructed other hospitals to take in measles patients to alleviate pressure, the situation remains dire, as reported by the Dhaka Tribune.

Experts are urging for enhanced vaccination coverage, greater public awareness, and the rapid execution of catch-up campaigns to control the ongoing outbreak.