Along with measles, children are being infected with adenovirus: Dr. Muaz

A total of 459 children have died from measles and measles-like symptoms in the country from March 15 to May 17, according to the official data. Of these, 75 children have died after being diagnosed with measles and 384 children have died due to measles symptoms. Of the children, 82 percent are children under the age of five. Measles is one of the most contagious viral infections in the world, and the disease is spreading very rapidly in Bangladesh due to the lack of vaccination. In the meantime, doctors have given another scary message. Along with measles, adenovirus is spreading in Bangladesh. It is a 'respiratory virus' like Corona, that is, it causes respiratory infections. Its symptoms are also very similar to Covid - and it is also highly contagious or infectious.

In this regard, Professor Dr. Syed Safi Ahmed Muaz, former director of Bangladesh Children's Hospital and Institute, told Views Bangladesh that along with measles, children and even the elderly are now being infected with adenovirus.

He said, "Children and elderly people are also suffering from long-term colds and coughs due to this infection. Therefore, children and adults should follow the hygiene rules that of the corona period during this time. Although this infection is not new, its incidence is much higher this year than in other years. The most worrying thing is that children aged four to six-seven (pre-school age) are the most affected by adenovirus, whose overall immunity is already low."

Doctors say that one of the concerns in dealing with this virus is that there is no vaccine on the market to prevent adenovirus.

According to experts, infection with this virus is initially suspected based on some symptoms.

Respiratory problems: cold, runny nose, sneezing, cough, sore throat and fever.
Eye problems: red, itchy or watery eyes (conjunctivitis or pink eye).
Stomach problems: Children may experience watery diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pain.

When these symptoms appear, the virus is usually detected through an antigen test or PCR test.

Dr. Muaz said that even if the virus is detected, there is no specific treatment for adenovirus like Covid. In this case, antiviral drugs do not work. Therefore, supportive treatment is required. That is, if the virus causes fever, treat the fever, if there is pain in the body, arms and legs, etc. If there is severe shortness of breath, oxygen and nebulizer should be given. In the case of ARDS, there is no option but ventilation.

He said, "When the immunity of measles patients decreases, children become infected with diseases like pneumonia or adeno. The lives of these children are becoming risky and it is becoming difficult to save them."

He advised that children should eat nutritious and balanced foods throughout the year to increase the body's immunity, such as fresh vegetables, seasonal fruits, etc.

Doctors say that children whose physical immunity is already low are more susceptible to adenovirus after measles. The lung infection caused by this virus is so complicated that even high doses of medicine are not getting the expected results.

Since there is currently no vaccine for this disease, expert doctors believe that it is best to keep the affected child in isolation or separate from others.