‘No need to panic’: Dhaka airport launches special guidelines to combat HMPV

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has issued special instructions in response to the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), which caused panic in China and neighbouring countries, and has now been detected in Bangladesh as of yesterday. 

Executive Director of the airport Kamrul Islam today (13 January) sent a letter to all airlines operating in the country and relevant airport authorities, instructing them on the matter.

The directive from the airport authorities states that, in accordance with recent guidelines from the Health Department, all airport personnel should take precautionary measures regarding HMPV. 

DGHS issues guidelines to prevent HMPV spread

"However, there is no need to panic at this moment," said the letter. 

Passengers, staff, and visitors at the airport have been encouraged to wear face masks and use hand sanitisers, the letter stated, adding, if anyone shows symptoms of HMPV, such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath, they should immediately report to the airport health services.

"Domestic and foreign airlines operating at the airport are instructed to take precautionary measures, especially for passengers coming from countries where HMPV cases have been reported. If anyone shows symptoms of fever or cough on a flight, it must be immediately reported to the airport's health services."

Airlines have also been instructed to provide health guidelines to their crew and passengers on how to handle cases involving passengers infected with HMPV.

Additionally, the letter emphasises compliance with the directives issued by the Health Department.

Earlier on Sunday (12 January), the first case of HMPV was detected in Bangladesh.

The virus was first detected in China in  the beginning of January 2023. It was subsequently identified in Japan. Now, outbreaks have also spread to Malaysia and India.