HMPV-infected woman passes away, doctors say death not from virus
“The woman was obese and had kidney problems. Her family members has received her body,” Ariful added
Sanjida Akhtar, a 30-year-old woman who was undergoing treatment with human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection and other illnesses in the capital's Mohakhali Infectious Diseases hospital, has died.
The woman died at 7pm on Wednesday (15 January) and her death was not linked to the virus, doctors say.
"The patient infected with HMPV has died of sepsis," Prof Dr Sayedur Rahman, special assistant at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, said at a media briefing at the ministry on Thursday (16 January).
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Sepsis is a serious condition in which the body responds improperly to an infection.
Dr Sayedur further said the patient was sick for over a month, and she was treated in the vicinity of her home [at that time]. "Later, when her condition deteriorated, she was admitted to hospital."
She had Klebsiella pneumonia and subsequently developed multi-organ failure. Also, she had obesity and thyroid dysfunction, he added.
"So far, according to scientific studies, death from HMP virus is very rare," Dr Sayedur further said.
He said at the hospital, artificial respiration was administered to the patient, and later she was released from it. "But, after 8 hours, her condition again deteriorated, and she passed away."
Dr Sayedur also expressed condolences on behalf of the ministry at the death of Sanjida. "But, we want to assure that so far science does not suggest HMPV as a direct cause of death in humans."
He also advised the public to follow common hygiene rules to stay protected.
"So far, according to scientific studies, death from HMP virus is very rare"
Sanjida, identified on 9 January as the country's first HMPV patient this year, was from Mymensingh's Bhairab upazila. She had no history of travelling abroad, doctors said earlier.
Briefing the media, Dr Sayedur further said the ministry will try its best to contain the spread of HMP virus at the earliest.
Children below five years and people aged over 65 as well as those with compromised immunity and other ailments, especially asthma, are at increased risk of contracting HMPV, he said.
He said since HMP is a respiratory virus, it may require oxygen supplementation [to treat patients]. "We have those preparations, but we don't think we'll need them."
He said the preparedness the health ministry had during Covid-19 will be revived [to contain HMPV], if necessary.
If deemed necessary, the health ministry will reactivate the preparedness it demonstrated during the Covid-19 pandemic, to contain HMPV, he added.
"Regarding HMP, there is no warning on behalf of the ministry as of now. But, people are advised to abide by the health rules."
No cause to panic, BSMMU ready to treat HMPV infection: VC
HMP is an old virus, and there is no need to panic, but caution is necessary, Vice Chancellor of BSMMU Prof Dr Md Shahinul Alam has said.
As the chief guest at a special seminar on the campus on Thursday, "Emerging Trends of Human Metapneumovirus-HMPV: A New Threat to Bangladesh?", he advised following health protocols like hand washing and wearing masks to stay safe from the virus.
He said BSMMU is fully prepared to test and treat HMPV infection.
As a special guest, Pro-VC (Research and Development) Prof Dr Md Mujibur Rahman Howlader said to stay protected from the virus, vigilance is important, especially for individuals with weakened immune systems.
Presiding over the event, Pro-VC (Admin) Prof Dr Md Abul Kalam Azad said the HMP virus itself is not a major cause for alarm, but people with weakened immunity, such as organ transplant recipients or cancer patients, should exercise caution.
"Individuals with low immunity should take seasonal vaccines like influenza and pneumonia vaccines to stay protected."
Prof Dr Sohel Mahmud Arafat from the Internal Medicine Department said the HMP virus was first identified in Bangladesh in 2017, and since then, it has been detected in the country almost every year.
He said HMP virus is transmitted primarily through droplets from sneezing and coughing. "Testing is generally not required unless the patient is elderly, has cancer, or is suffering from multiple health conditions."
At present, there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for HMPV, but symptomatic treatment with medications like paracetamol for fever and antihistamines for cold and cough, along with plenty of fluids and rest, is typically sufficient for recovery, he added.
Prof Dr Md A Mannan, chair of the Department of Neonatology, said if a mother is infected with HMPV, there is no barrier to breastfeeding her child.
Immunity from Covid doesn't safeguard against HMPV
Experts did not issue any warnings about the HMP virus potentially becoming severe, but they urged everyone to stay cautious. They also noted that having received a Covid-19 vaccine or previously being infected with Covid-19 does not protect against HMPV, as immunity from Covid-19 does not safeguard against this virus.
According to a 2021 report from Lancet Global Health, HMPV is responsible for 1% of deaths in children under five from severe respiratory infections. Despite several vaccines being developed for other viruses after the spread of Covid-19, no vaccine for HMPV is currently available.
Experts also cautioned against the use of antiviral medications for HMPV.
