Three Children Die of Suspected Measles Symptoms in Ruma, Bandarban

In the Ruma sub-district of Bandarban, three children have died from suspected measles symptoms within the last 24 hours. All three children were residents of the remote Lengtong Khumi village. Two children passed away on the previous day, and one died on the afternoon of the reporting day. Among the deceased was the daughter of the village headman, Shailung Khumi. The bodies of the two children who died yesterday were buried side-by-side today. The village headman reported that five people in the village, including three previously, have died from measles-like symptoms, with six more currently ill. The deceased children experienced severe fever, headache, and itching for about a week prior to their deaths. According to local representatives, six children have died from suspected measles in Ruma this month, though officials from the Civil Surgeon's office and the Ruma Health Department have not provided clear information. Medical officers at the Ruma Upazila Health Complex stated that the measles outbreak has increased in remote villages over the past two weeks, with 14 children exhibiting measles symptoms currently receiving treatment at the sub-district hospital. Lengtong Khumi village is located 18 kilometers from the Ruma sub-district headquarters, accessible only by foot from Boga Lake. The village, comprising 26 families, still has six patients in critical condition with suspected measles. A teacher from the village primary school noted that residents are very poor and have limited understanding of healthcare, making it difficult for them to afford transportation and treatment at the sub-district health center. The acting chairman of Ruma Sadar Union confirmed an increase in measles cases in his and the Galengya unions, acknowledging six child deaths across various villages this month. He is reportedly monitoring the situation in Lengtong Khumi. A medical officer at the Ruma Upazila Health Complex stated that no patients died while under hospital care, and that two medical teams were dispatched to Galengya last week. While one child died in Anglaipara, it was not confirmed if it was due to measles. The sub-district health department reportedly has no information regarding the outbreak and two deaths in Lengtong Khumi. The Civil Surgeon confirmed being informed of two child deaths in Ruma by the Zila Parishad but was not aware of other affected children in the village, advising prompt hospitalization for any ill individuals.