Khorshed Alam, Sherpur 

A sharp surge in dengue and measles infections across Sherpur district has triggered a severe patient overload at the 250-bed Sherpur District Sadar Hospital, leaving healthcare personnel struggling to provide adequate medical care.

According to hospital records, four children have died from measles complications in the district so far. Meanwhile, over 46 patients diagnosed with dengue are currently admitted, alongside approximately 65 others undergoing treatment with symptoms of either dengue or measles.

A physical inspection of the hospital premises revealed overcrowded wards exceeding total capacity. Although 15 beds are designated for measles patients and 26 for dengue cases, the rapid influx of admissions has forced numerous patients to seek shelter on floors and adjacent corridors.

Patients and their attendants complained that securing prompt medical attention has become increasingly difficult, while several essential medicines are out of stock at the hospital pharmacy, forcing low-income families to purchase them from outside vendors at significant personal cost.

Concerns have also been raised regarding the unavailability of mosquito nets for all admitted dengue patients, leaving many exposed in open corridors and increasing the risk of secondary vector-borne transmission. Attendants further alleged a severe shortage of nursing personnel, claiming that only two nurses were attending to over a hundred patients in certain units.

Hospital authorities noted that while four children succumbed to measles in the district, no fatalities from dengue have been recorded locally to date. Physicians suspect that a significant portion of dengue patients contracted the virus in Dhaka and other districts before returning to Sherpur, though local transmission within the district is also on the rise.

Addressing the situation, Dr. Md. Sazzat Hossain, Superintendent of the 250-bed Sherpur District Sadar Hospital, confirmed the measles fatalities and noted that dedicated medical care is being provided within the hospital's operational capacity.