First case of HMPV detected in Bangladesh
According to experts, HMPV is not a new virus and has been present in Bangladesh and other countries for years
The Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) has confirmed the first case of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection in the country.
The infected patient is a woman who was admitted to the Infectious Diseases Hospital in the capital's Mohakhali, said IEDCR's Head of Virology Dr Ahmed Nowsher Alam.
Dr Forhad Hossain, director of Communicable Disease Control at the Directorate General of Health Services said the HMPV infected patient is 30 years old and is currently undergoing treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Alongside HMPV, she was also infected with Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria and that is why her condition deteriorated further, he added.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Dr Forhad also said the patient came from Bhairab and has no history of travelling abroad.
Virologists and medical professionals state that HMPV is not a new virus and has been present in Bangladesh and other countries for years, particularly during the winter season.
What is HMPV?
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus causing flu or cold-like symptoms such as cough, runny nose, sore throat and fever. While generally mild, it can increase risks or lead to severe complications like bronchitis or pneumonia in young children, the elderly and those with weak immune systems.
The disease is in the same family as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and has been around since at least 2001 when it was first identified in the Netherlands. Its outbreaks are concentrated during colder seasons.
Mild cases of HMPV typically last from a few days to a week. In more severe cases, recovery may take longer. Lingering symptoms, such as a cough, can persist for a longer period, even after other symptoms have improved.
