Barguna Sadar declared ‘Red Zone’ as measles kills three children

The Health Department has declared Barguna Sadar Upazila a ‘Red Zone’ following a sharp rise in measles cases, which have already claimed the lives of three children in the district.

According to health officials, nearly 30 per cent of laboratory-tested samples have confirmed measles infection. The outbreak is affecting both children and adults. In the past 24 hours, 10 new patients exhibiting measles symptoms have been admitted to hospitals.

Data from the District Civil Surgeon’s office shows that from January to date, 132 suspected measles cases have been identified in Barguna. Of the 74 samples sent for laboratory testing, 25 tested positive. A total of 122 patients have received hospital treatment, and three children have died despite referral to higher-level facilities.

Relatives of patients have raised concerns over shortages of essential medicines in government hospitals. Many families are forced to purchase most drugs, including treatments beyond paracetamol, from outside, creating significant financial strain.

Aleya Begum from Burirchar Union said, “My son has been admitted for three days. The hospital provides only paracetamol; we have to buy all other medicines ourselves, which is very difficult.” Similarly, Shiuli Begum from Dhalua said she spent nearly Tk 5,000 on medicines over four days for her sick child.

District Civil Surgeon Dr. Mohammad Abul Fattah confirmed that vaccination campaigns have been intensified in response to the outbreak and expressed hope that the situation will be brought under control soon.