Measles outbreak in CHT: One more child dies in Rangamati

One more child died of measles in remote Udolchhari Chakma Para under Sajek union of Rangamati's Baghaichhari upazila early today taking the death toll in the recent measles outbreak in Chattogram Hill Tracts to 10.

Niketon Chakma, 15, died at his house around 2:30am, said Nelson Chakma, chairman of Sajek union.

Earlier, nine children of Tripura and Mro communities died of measles in the remote areas of Rangamati, Bandarban and Khagrachari since February 26.

A five member medical team, including an MBBS doctor, went to the affected area this morning, said, Md Ahosan Habib, upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) of Baghaichhari Upazila.

"We are going to take some inclusive work plan, including setting up five community clinics, sanitation, nutrition, and water management programme in the affected areas," said the UNO.

"It is true that EPI programme was not implemented in the measles affected areas properly as there are some problems," he added.

There are only two community clinics for over 16,000 population who are mostly from ethnic minority communities in Sajek union, said Ahosan.

The affected children are suffering from serious malnutrition, said Dr Istekhar Ahmed, health officer of Baghaichhari upazila.  

The newly measles affected areas in Sajek union are Boroitoli Para, Chip Para, Sath Nong Para, Ujanchaari Para, Shilchhari Para, Kojoichhari Para, Buyachhari Para, Lambabak Para and Bethbunia area, said Nelson Chakma, chairman of the union.