Barguna, Apr 10 (V7N) — At least 20 more patients with measles-like symptoms were admitted to the 250-bed Barguna General Hospital in the past 24 hours, signaling a worsening outbreak in the district.
 
According to hospital authorities, of the 184 patients currently admitted, 37 have been confirmed with measles. Samples from 73 suspected cases have been collected and sent to Dhaka for laboratory testing. In total, 207 measles cases have been identified across the district so far.
 
The information was confirmed on Thursday afternoon by the hospital’s superintendent, Dr. Rezwanur Alam. He said dedicated beds have been prepared to handle the situation, with two separate beds each allocated at upazila health complexes in Amtali, Patharghata, and Bamna, and one in Betagi. Although more than 30 beds are currently available across the district, healthcare workers are struggling to manage the increasing number of patients.
 
Junior Consultant (Pediatrics) Dr. Mehedi Parvez said the outbreak began intensifying in mid-March, with an average of 20 patients visiting the outpatient department daily with suspected measles symptoms. Critical patients are being admitted for treatment, while those developing complications are referred to higher medical facilities.
 
Civil Surgeon Dr. Mohammad Abul Fattah stated that all necessary preparations have been taken to dealing with the outbreak. He also confirmed that a total of 10,452 children have been vaccinated against measles in the district as of Thursday afternoon.
 
Health officials said monitoring efforts are ongoing to control the spread of the disease.
 
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