First HMP virus case detected in Bangladesh, experts say no cause to panic

The Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) has confirmed the country's first case of human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, this year, in a woman.

The infected person 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 (DGHS), said the 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. 

The patient came from Kishoreganj's Bhairab upazila, and has no history of travelling abroad, Dr Forhad said further. 

Virologists and medical professionals say HMPV is not a new virus, and has been prevalent in Bangladesh and other countries for years, particularly during winter.

HMPV was first detected in Bangladesh in 2017, and since then, it has been prevalent in the country, says IEDCR.

People infected with HMPV experience fever, runny nose, cough, nasal congestion, and body aches. It is like any other fever.

Given the detection of the first case in the country, health professionals say there is no reason to panic over the virus.

"It is a mild virus, and there is no cause to panic. Adhering to basic health guidelines is enough [to stay protected]," Dr MH Choudhury Lelin, a preventive medicine specialist, told The Business Standard.

DGHS Director Dr Moinul Ahsan told TBS that HMPV can be identified through RT-PCR tests, similar to those used for Covid-19. "The IEDCR has the capability to detect the virus."

He added that the health directorate has adequate RT-PCR machines at present, and if needed, specific kits will be imported for the test.

DGHS urges precautions among public

Meanwhile, the health directorate issued seven instructions on 8 January to prevent HMPV infection. All medical college hospitals, civil surgeons, district health supervisors, upazila health and family welfare officers, all airport health officers as well as port health officers have been asked to take necessary measures to prevent the virus.

The outbreak of HMPV and its severity have increased alarmingly in various countries in the subcontinent, including China. The infection of the virus is common mostly in children under 14 years and people aged 65 years and above. Also, there may be a high risk for people with long-term ailments such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pregnant women and people with weak immune systems, to contract the virus, according to the DGHS.

To protect oneself from HMPV, the health directorate has issued a set of health guidelines that includes wearing masks as a precaution against winter respiratory diseases, keeping the nose and mouth covered when sneezing or coughing, maintaining a social distance of at least 3 feet from individuals experiencing any illness.

Other rules include immediate disposal of used tissue in covered trash bins, washing hands frequently with soap and water or hand sanitiser for at least 20 seconds, and avoiding touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

Besides, individuals experiencing fever, cough, or breathing difficulties are advised to stay at home until they have fully recovered, and to reach out to the nearest hospital if required.

What is HMPV?

HMPV, a respiratory virus, causes symptoms resembling those of influenza and other respiratory diseases, and the illness usually improves within a timeframe of 2 to 5 days, DGHS says.

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 virus was first detected in the Netherlands in 2001, and its outbreaks tend to be more prevalent in winter.