At least 19 children hospitalised with measles-like symptoms in remote Alikadam, Lama

An outbreak of measles-like symptoms among children in the remote Alikadam and Lama upazilas of Bandarban has raised concerns, with at least 19 children currently undergoing treatment at local health facilities.

According to health officials, five children have been admitted to Lama Upazila Health Complex with symptoms including fever, rash and red spots.

The affected children, mostly from the Mro community, include Raorung Mro, 6, Youngring Mro, 5, Youngring Mro, 11, Tangkui Mro, 7, and Ruiyang Mro, 7, said Dr Golam Mostafa Nadim, upazila health and family planning officer of Lama.

Meanwhile, 14 other children with similar symptoms have been admitted to Alikadam Upazila Health Complex. All of them are from the remote Kurukpata union, confirmed Dr Md Hanif Chowdhury, a physician at the facility.

Local representatives, however, claim the situation may be more severe than reported. Kurukpata Union Parishad Chairman Kratpung Mro said at least four children have died in recent days with similar symptoms.

“A 10-year-old girl died on the way to the hospital. Earlier, three other children from different villages also died with the same symptoms,” he said, adding that locals initially failed to recognise the illness as measles or a contagious disease.

Reports from the area suggest that the outbreak has spread rapidly. At Plennoi Hostel in Youngringpara, at least 35 out of around 150 children have reportedly fallen ill.

Residents say access to healthcare remains a major challenge. Yangthang Mro, a local resident, said transporting a sick child to Alikadam Sadar Hospital costs around Tk 600 -- a significant burden for many families. The absence of mobile network coverage further complicates emergency response, making it difficult to arrange transport in time.

Health authorities say they are taking steps to contain the outbreak. Separate isolation units have been set up at Lama Upazila Health Complex, and the condition of admitted patients is improving, said Dr Nadim.

Bandarban Civil Surgeon Mohammad Shahin Hossain Chowdhury told The Daily Star that a medical team has been deployed to the affected areas and has been visiting remote villages daily.

“Due to the area's remoteness and lack of network coverage, we are not getting real-time updates. However, teams are collecting information throughout the day and reporting back in the evening,” he said.

He added that efforts are underway, in coordination with local administration and public representatives, to transport sick children to hospitals.

Meanwhile, the Parbatya Chattogram Accord Implementation Movement has called for urgent intervention, including the establishment of an emergency medical camp in the affected areas.

In a joint statement issued today, the organisation’s leaders said the outbreak in Kurukpata union has created an alarming situation, worsened by poor communication and lack of transport.

They urged authorities to set up temporary medical camps to provide treatment, ensure vaccination coverage, and supply essential medicines. The group also called for special government initiatives to address child nutrition and ensure access to safe drinking water in this remote area.