Photo: BSS

KHULNA, April 5, 2026 (BSS) - A total of 300 children have been hospitalized with measles symptoms across the 10 districts of Khulna division, with two deaths reported so far, raising serious concern among health authorities.

According to the Divisional Health Directorate, the outbreak has taken an alarming turn, particularly in Kushtia, Jashore and Khulna, which have emerged as major hotspots. Both fatalities were reported from Kushtia district.

Data available until Sunday noon show that Kushtia recorded the highest number of cases, with 103 children admitted to hospitals. Jashore reported 59 cases, Khulna 58, Jhenaidah 18, Magura 17, Satkhira 16, Narail 12, while Bagerhat and Chuadanga each recorded six cases and Meherpur reported four.

On Sunday alone, 56 new children were admitted to different hospitals across the division. Of them, 13 were reported in Satkhira, 12 in Kushtia, six in Khulna, five each in Jashore, Magura and Narail, three each in Chuadanga and Jhenaidah, and two each in Bagerhat and Meherpur.

At Khulna Medical College Hospital (KMCH), admissions of children with measles symptoms have fluctuated in recent days. Hospital sources said 11 children were admitted on April 1, 15 on April 2, 19 on April 3, 14 on April 4, and one patient on April 5.

Many patients have already been discharged after treatment, while 15 children are currently undergoing care at the facility.

Professor Dr Syeda Rukhsana Parveen, head of the Pediatrics Department at KMCH, said measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads easily through coughing and sneezing. Children who are unvaccinated or suffering from malnutrition are particularly vulnerable.

She noted that although infectious diseases are generally not admitted, the severity of the current outbreak has compelled authorities to set up a dedicated isolation system at the hospital to accommodate affected children.

Calling for urgent government intervention, Dr Parveen stressed the need for a large-scale vaccination campaign to contain the outbreak. 

She also warned that managing the situation is becoming increasingly difficult, as the hospital is already overwhelmed, treating more than 200 children against a capacity of only 48 beds.