A person in Bangladesh has been diagnosed with Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), confirmed by Dr. Ahmed Nawshar Alam, Head of the Virology Department at the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR). Dr. Alam stated that alongside HMPV, another bacterium has been detected in the individual. The virus, first identified in China earlier this year, has since been detected in Japan, Malaysia, and India.
Health experts globally have expressed concern about HMPV, although the World Health Organization has not issued any official warnings yet. Professor Dr. Tahmina Shirin, Director of IEDCR, clarified that HMPV is not a new virus and stated, “There is no cause for concern in Bangladesh regarding it.” She explained that the virus is often referred to as seasonal flu and typically presents with respiratory symptoms such as fever, nasal congestion, and cough.
Dr. Shirin emphasized that while HMPV spreads through the respiratory system and can lead to severe conditions like pneumonia or bronchitis in some cases, it is not comparable to Covid-19 in its impact. The IEDCR has assured that more details will be shared as investigations continue.
A person in Bangladesh has been diagnosed with Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), confirmed by Dr. Ahmed Nawshar Alam, Head of the Virology Department at the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR). Dr. Alam stated that alongside HMPV, another bacterium has been detected in the individual. The virus, first identified in China earlier this year, has since been detected in Japan, Malaysia, and India.
Health experts globally have expressed concern about HMPV, although the World Health Organization has not issued any official warnings yet. Professor Dr. Tahmina Shirin, Director of IEDCR, clarified that HMPV is not a new virus and stated, “There is no cause for concern in Bangladesh regarding it.” She explained that the virus is often referred to as seasonal flu and typically presents with respiratory symptoms such as fever, nasal congestion, and cough.
Dr. Shirin emphasized that while HMPV spreads through the respiratory system and can lead to severe conditions like pneumonia or bronchitis in some cases, it is not comparable to Covid-19 in its impact. The IEDCR has assured that more details will be shared as investigations continue.