Measles outbreak increasing in Naogaon

Naogaon: The outbreak of the infectious disease measles has suddenly increased in the district. The District Health Department is on alert to deal with the situation, but relatives of the patients have expressed anger over the medical services provided by the hospital.
According to the Health Department, the infected people include residents of Naogaon Sadar, Parsha, Niamatpur, Sapahar, Atrai and Manda upazilas. The highest number of infections has been seen in ward number 5 of Naogaon Municipality and a ward in Bhabhicha Union of Niamatpur upazila.
On Monday morning (March 30), when I visited the children’s department of the 250-bed Naogaon General Hospital, I found that the entire ward was packed with patients. About 70 children were admitted against 20 beds. Due to lack of space, many are having to receive treatment on the floor.
Relatives complain that two to three patients are being kept in the same bed, which further increases the risk of infection. At the same time, the situation is becoming more worrying as patients with fever, diarrhoea and measles are being treated together. A patient’s relative complained that the hospital did not have a thermometer and medicines were being given by guessing the temperature with his hand – this is very disappointing.
A mother of a child in Manda upazila said that her child’s condition deteriorated after he developed fever and body itching. On the other hand, a woman in Raninagar said that when her grandson had a seizure, he was rushed to the hospital, but had to be treated on the floor due to lack of beds.
Zenat Rehena, in-charge of the children’s ward, said that the number of patients with fever, cough and red rashes on the body has increased in the last few days. Doctors and nurses are struggling due to the extra pressure, but they are still trying to provide services.
Dr Abu Zar Ghaffar, Resident Medical Officer of the hospital, said that considering the situation, a cabin has been converted into an isolation ward and more wards will be added if necessary. District Civil Surgeon Dr. Aminul Islam said that the outbreak of measles is increasing at an alarming rate. Isolation wards have already been prepared in various health centers in the district.
He also said that children from about 40 houses around the affected area are being given high-dose vitamin ‘A’ capsules to boost their immunity. In addition, special search operations have been intensified in various upazilas to identify suspected patients. The Department of Health said that a booster dose of MR vaccine will be given to children in May under the National Immunization Program.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health has urged people to seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms of measles – fever, cough, red eyes or a red rash on the body. Those concerned fear that the infection will spread further if effective steps are not taken quickly in the overall situation.