‎Zakir Hossin, Pirojpur: ‎A tragic wave of measles has struck a family in Pirojpur’s Zianagar upazila, claiming the life of a one-year-old boy while his elder sister continues to battle the disease in hospital.‎The deceased, Raiyan, son of Sumon Morol of Saidkhali Abashon area under Balipara Union, died around 1:00am on Friday while undergoing treatment at Pirojpur District Hospital. The information was confirmed later in the evening by Civil Surgeon Dr. Md. Matiur Rahman.‎Raiyan’s four-year-old sister, Khadija Akter, has also been infected with measles and is currently receiving treatment at the same hospital.‎According to family members, both children had been suffering from fever, skin rashes, weakness and other measles-related symptoms for several days. As Raiyan’s condition rapidly deteriorated, he was rushed to the district hospital on Thursday night, where doctors fought to save him. Sadly, he passed away during treatment.‎Speaking in grief, Raiyan’s father Sumon Morol said, “Both of my children had been sick for days. When my son’s condition worsened, I took him to the hospital, but I could not save him. Now my daughter is also seriously ill.”‎Local sources said Sumon Morol originally hails from Rupda village in Monirampur upazila of Jashore district. After marrying Sharmin Akter, daughter of the late Toiyob Ali Khan of Charakhali village in Indurkani, he had been living in the area for a long time.‎Zianagar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Hasan Md. Hafizur Rahman said the local administration has intensified public awareness campaigns as measles cases continue to rise in the region.‎“We are making announcements through loudspeakers and urging parents to ensure their children receive measles vaccinations. No child should remain unvaccinated,” he said.‎Civil Surgeon Dr. Md. Matiur Rahman stated that Raiyan had been admitted as a suspected measles patient and was also showing symptoms of pneumonia. However, the child died before laboratory samples for measles testing could be sent.‎He further revealed that another child from Mathbaria had earlier died while undergoing treatment for measles in Barisal. So far, the number of suspected measles cases in Pirojpur district has climbed to around 340.‎“Although the number of patients is increasing, the health department is working relentlessly to control the outbreak. Doctors and health workers are providing round-the-clock services. At the same time, parents must remain aware and ensure timely vaccination of their children,” the Civil Surgeon added.‎Health officials have advised guardians to immediately seek medical care if children develop fever, rashes, or breathing difficulties. Authorities have also strengthened vaccination drives across the district. A special measles immunization campaign for children aged 9 to 15 months was launched on April 5.‎The heartbreaking death of little Raiyan has cast a shadow of grief over the family and sparked growing concern throughout the community.‎