The first patient in Bangladesh diagnosed with the newly emerging Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has passed away.
The 30-year-old woman, a resident of Bhairab Upazila in Kishoreganj, was admitted to the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Dhaka’s Mohakhali last Friday.
A doctor from the hospital, speaking to bdnews24.com on condition of anonymity due to restrictions from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), confirmed that the woman died around 7:30 pm on Wednesday.
“Alongside HMPV, she had other physical complications. She died while receiving treatment in the hospital’s ICU,” the physician said.
On Sunday, Dr. Ahmed Nowsher Alam, Head of the Virology Department at the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control, and Research (IEDCR), told bdnews24.com: “We have identified a patient infected with HMPV. The patient is undergoing treatment at a hospital. Further details will be provided later.”
This winter, HMPV has been spreading across northern China, with children being particularly vulnerable. In response to the virus’s rapid transmission, China issued a public warning.
Following this, an eight-month-old baby in Karnataka, India, was diagnosed with the virus, with several additional cases reported across the country. The Indian government has since urged people to remain calm and practice good hygiene to prevent further spread.
HMPV primarily targets the respiratory system, causing symptoms like colds, coughs, fever, shortness of breath, and rashes. While these symptoms are generally mild, the virus can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, particularly in young children and the elderly.
Asked about the potential risks of HMPV spreading in Bangladesh, IEDCR advisor and public health expert Mushtuq Husain told bdnews24.com that the virus is already present in the country and is not a new phenomenon.
“This disease has been in Bangladesh and exists in countries worldwide. There’s no reason to panic, but we should stay alert,” he stated, adding that the symptoms of HMPV are similar to those of influenza.
He explained that Chinese hospital emergency departments have seen many cases, prompting the country to declare a state of emergency under its national protocols.
Husain further emphasized that HMPV is “not a fatal disease” but can pose serious risks to individuals with underlying health conditions.
“If someone has comorbidities, any disease can become fatal for them,” he said, noting that children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable. He also reassured that the virus poses a risk comparable to influenza.
To prevent infection, he advises regular handwashing, wearing masks, avoiding close contact with individuals who have fevers or colds, and seeking immediate medical attention if a patient’s condition worsens.
