Fresh measles outbreak hits Bandarban’s Alikadam

A fresh outbreak of measles has been reported in the remote Alikadam upazila of Bandarban, with 28 patients seeking treatment at local health facilities from 8:00am to 2:00pm today.

Between 10:00am and 2:00pm today, at least 10 children and teenagers from the Mro community were admitted to the upazila health complex with measles, said Dr Md Hanif, Alikadam upazila health and family planning officer.

They are: Rarui Mro, 16, Raw Rang Mro, 8, Young Doi Mro, 3, Preng Pong Mro, 10, Ruilang Mro, 4, Long Clang Mro, 10, Ruipong Mro, 10, Holi Mro, 1, Chang Runm Mro, 2, and Kum Rao Mro, 13.

Of them, Kum Rao Mro is a class 3 student of Alikadam Government Model School and was residing in the school hostel.

Meanwhile, an additional 18 children with measles symptoms sought treatment at a temporary medical camp set up at Bidyamoni Government Primary School near the remote Powa Muhuri Doripara area from 8:00am to 2:00pm today.

Following the outbreak, a volunteer team formed by youths from the Mro community, along with students from various universities and colleges, has been working jointly with the upazila administration.

The team has established the temporary medical camp at the school to provide treatment services.

Menthao Mro, a member of the volunteer team and a student of Jahangirnagar University, said, “We are working to assist patients suffering from measles, diarrhoea, smallpox-like symptoms, and other diseases.”

He added, “We are helping transport patients from remote areas to the health complex, ensuring the supply of medicines, arranging treatment, and supporting attendants with food and accommodation. We also respond quickly to bring critically ill patients to the hospital.”

Data from the upazila health complex shows that from April 25 to 30, a total of 86 measles cases have been recorded in the upazila.

Of them, 60 patients were admitted, 50 have been discharged after recovery, four critically ill patients were referred to Cox’s Bazar Medical College Hospital, and 26 received treatment through outpatient and emergency services.

Currently, 17 patients are undergoing treatment at the health complex. Of them, 10 were newly admitted, while seven others remain hospitalised from before.

Dr Md Hanif, upazila health and family planning officer, said, “We are providing round-the-clock treatment to measles patients. Under the direction of the civil surgeon, a medical team comprising three doctors, three nurses, one assistant civil surgeon, and one LMSS staff member is operating at a temporary camp at Maitree Government Primary School in Kurukpata union.”

He further said that a vaccination campaign targeting children aged between six months and 15 years is underway in remote areas, with support from the upazila authorities and the Bangladesh Army in Alikadam zone.

Under the leadership of Major Tuhin, commander of the Kurukpata camp of Alikadam Army Zone, 641 children in Kurukpata union have been vaccinated against measles between April 25 and 30. The campaign will continue until full coverage is achieved.