Three children died in Kushtia with symptoms of measles within 24 hours up to this morning.

The deceased were identified as an eight-month-old boy, Ibrahim, son of Chanchal Hossain of Daulatpur upazila; Afran, son of Al Amin from Bhadalia village; and a five-month-old girl, Aiza, daughter of Momin from Kushtia district town.

Ibrahim died around 10:30pm yesterday at Kushtia 250-bed General Hospital, Aiza passed away around midnight at Kushtia Medical College Hospital, and Afran died around 6:00pm yesterday at the same hospital with similar symptoms, said Dr Hossain Imam, resident medical officer (RMO) of Kushtia 250-bed General Hospital.

Deputy Director of Kushtia Medical College Hospital, Dr AHM Anwarul Islam, said the number of patients with measles symptoms continues to rise across the district. Dedicated measles corners have been set up in hospitals, including Kushtia Medical College Hospital, he added.

However, due to the growing number of cases and a shortage of beds, many children are being treated in general wards.

According to the Civil Surgeon’s Office, more than 300 children have been admitted to different hospitals in the district with measles symptoms, of whom at least 75 have recovered.

Civil Surgeon Sheikh Mohammad Kamal Hossain said a shortage of vaccines, lack of awareness, and movement of people from other districts are contributing to the spread of the disease.

Meanwhile, isolation corners have been opened in all hospitals in the district for infected children, and vaccination drives will begin as soon as vaccines become available, he added.

Authorities have urged parents to remain cautious and seek medical attention promptly if children show symptoms.