Staff Correspondent, Dhaka
A person in the country 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).
He mentioned that along with HMPV, another bacterium has been detected in the individual’s body.
The virus was first detected in China at the beginning of January, followed by its identification in Japan.
The outbreak of HMPV has now spread to Malaysia and India.
He said: "More details will be shared later."
This influenza-like virus has already infected many people.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, HMPV has been spreading fear globally.
Health experts have warned that it could become as severe as Covid-19.
However, the World Health Organization has not issued any warning about the virus yet.
The spread of HMPV remains a point of concern.
Experts are concerned that a new pandemic could emerge in 2025, but it is uncertain which disease may take that form.
Professor Dr Tahmina Shirin, Director of the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) in Bangladesh, said that this is not a new virus and there is no cause for concern in Bangladesh regarding it.
HMPV is sometimes referred to as seasonal flu, with the primary symptom being respiratory complications.
She explained that Covid-19 was a completely different and novel virus, which caused a widespread pandemic.
The symptoms typically start with common cold-like issues such as fever, nasal congestion, cough, or shortness of breath.
As the infection progresses, it may lead to situations requiring hospitalization.
In some cases, the severity of the infection can lead to problems such as bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma or ear infections.
Dr. Tahmina Shirin added that this virus spreads through the respiratory system, similar to other respiratory viruses, with symptoms resembling influenza, such as fever, runny nose, cough, and cold.
