Experts Urge Eid Caution for Children Amid Measles

Public health experts have urged parents to take extra precautions with children during the Eid holiday period amid concerns that increased travel and large gatherings could accelerate the spread of measles infections across the country.

They advised families to avoid unnecessary travel with children, particularly to crowded places, and recommended limiting exposure to packed public transport whenever possible.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain also called for greater caution, urging parents to reduce children’s exposure to environments where the risk of infection may be higher.

Speaking to reporters, the minister requested families not to take children, especially those vulnerable to infection, to crowded gatherings or frequent social visits during Eid.

“We request parents to be cautious about children during Eid. Those who are at higher risk should avoid crowded places and unnecessary exposure,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of keeping healthy children away from infected individuals and preventing those showing symptoms from mixing with others.

Public health specialists warned that measles is highly contagious and can spread even before visible symptoms appear. As a result, Eid travel, shopping centres, recreational venues and family gatherings may increase transmission risks.

Experts emphasized that vaccination remains the most effective protection against measles and urged parents to ensure children receive the required doses.

They also advised families to isolate infected individuals, avoid gatherings if symptoms such as fever or skin rashes appear, maintain respiratory hygiene, and seek medical attention promptly when necessary.

Public health expert Dr M Mushtaq Hossain said large-scale movement of people during Eid could increase the risk of wider transmission, especially in rural areas.

He advised parents to avoid travelling with children suffering from malnutrition or existing illnesses, noting that such conditions may increase health risks both for affected children and those around them.

Another public health expert, Dr Lelin Chowdhury, said people infected with measles may initially develop only mild fever and limited symptoms while still being capable of spreading the virus unknowingly.

Doctors noted that measles spreads mainly through coughing, sneezing and respiratory droplets. A single infected person can transmit the virus to an estimated 12 to 18 people.

Health experts also said measles patients can spread the virus from four days before to four days after the appearance of skin rashes.

They warned that the virus can remain active in the air or enclosed environments for several hours, making crowded locations such as buses, trains, markets, hospitals and public gatherings potential transmission points.

Additional Director General (Administration) of the Directorate General of Health Services, Prof Dr Md Zahid Raihan, said increased movement during Eid naturally creates larger crowds in transport systems and public spaces.

He advised parents to encourage children to follow health precautions, including wearing masks in crowded places when necessary.

Virology experts also noted that unvaccinated individuals remain at significantly greater risk, particularly in areas with lower immunisation coverage. They added that children who have received measles vaccines face a substantially lower risk of infection.