Mother dies while caring for measles-infected children in Bandarban

A mother has died after falling ill while caring for her two measles-infected children in the remote areas of Ruma upazila in Bandarban. The deceased, Lengrung Mro (26), passed away on July 29 at her home in Chinipara, Ruma, after her family could not afford to take her to Chattogram Medical College Hospital as advised by doctors.

According to family and hospital sources, Lengrung Mro admitted her two measles-infected children to Bandarban Sadar Hospital on July 26. While caring for them, she fell unconscious on July 28. Doctors recommended transferring her to Chattogram Medical College Hospital for better treatment, but her husband, Krungsang Mro, took her back to the village due to financial constraints and concerns over medical costs.

Despite attempts at traditional treatment, she died on the afternoon of July 29. Her funeral was held the following day.

The deceased's brother-in-law, Krungtang Mro, said his elder brother is not fluent in Bengali and could not arrange better treatment due to financial hardship. The elder brother is also bedridden with fever, leaving the responsibility of caring for the three children and hospital expenses entirely on him.

At Bandarban Sadar Hospital's measles isolation ward, four-year-old Dongwai Mro remains under treatment. While one sibling has recovered and returned home, Dongwai is still hospitalised. Family members said the children have not yet been informed of their mother's death.

Hospital sources said 15 children, six women and three men are currently undergoing treatment in the measles isolation ward. Over 1,500 people have been infected with measles in the district this year, with nine deaths officially recorded.

The measles outbreak in the remote hilly areas of Ruma has reached alarming levels. Children are most at risk due to poor communication, poverty and lack of timely vaccination.