Health officials in  Rangamati cautious as measles fear grows 

 
RANGAMATI, Apr 4:  Although measles cases have been reported in different parts of the country, there is currently no outbreak of the disease in Rangamati District.

Hospital authorities said they have taken all necessary preparations to tackle any possible measles situation. At present, the district hospital is treating patients suffering from various other ailments.

However, blood samples of four children showing measles-like symptoms have been collected from Kaukhali Upazila and sent to Dhaka for laboratory testing.

Confirming the matter on Wednesday, Dr Shibli Shafiullah, Officer of Kaukhali Upazila Health Complex, said, two children from Poipara, one from Betbunia Sapnalapara and one from Ghagra area had symptoms. Their blood samples were sent to Dhaka for confirmation.

All four children are currently receiving treatment at home. One of them has developed rashes while the others have been suffering from fever for several days. They are under close observation and will be hospitalised if necessary.

Civil Surgeon of Rangamati, Dr Nuyen Khisa, said collecting samples is a routine procedure. "We are not sure yet whether these are measles cases. There is no reason to panic," he added.

Dr Khisa further informed that the Health Department administers around 1,150 measles vaccines every month and currently has a stock of nearly 17,000 doses. Preparations have been made in every upazila to tackle any outbreak. As per the government directive, the special vaccination drive will begin from Sunday.

It may be mentioned that the last major measles outbreak in Rangamati occurred in March 2020 in Baghaichhari Upazila's Sajek area, where eight children died and over 200 were infected within a week.