A new alarm has been raised over the HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus) that emerged in China at the start of the year. Meanwhile, patients infected with this virus have been identified in Japan, Malaysia, and India.
Experts have commented that there is no need to panic about this virus in Bangladesh. Nonetheless, the Ministry of Health remains on alert to combat any potential outbreak.
Virologists explain that this virus has existed in Bangladesh for an extended period.. Every winter, some people become infected with it and recover, as its behavior is much like that of the common flu.
Regarding this, Professor Dr. Mahmudur Rahman, the former Director of the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control, and Research (IEDCR) said, "HMPV is not a new virus. Infected patients with this virus, similar to influenza, have been detected in Bangladesh before. It is a respiratory virus. There is nothing to panic about it; general hygiene rules should be followed. The preparations that the Department of Health has for hospitals to deal with winter diseases should be maintained. "
Several international media outlets report that the incidence of HMPV has risen in China and Japan, with two cases of infection already confirmed in India. Following the impact of COVID-19, this virus has become a new source of concern. This influenza-like virus, which originated in China, has already affected many individuals. However, the World Health Organization has not yet issued any alerts about it.
Dr. Lelin Choudhury, a public health expert and the chairman of Health and Hope Hospital, explained, "There is no need to worry about the HMPV virus. It was first detected in the country in 2000-01. A study was conducted in Kamalapur, Dhaka, in partnership with ICDDRB and funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the USA, led by Professor Dr. W. A. Brooks from Johns Hopkins University. The study revealed that 33.33% of respiratory patients under 13 years old were infected with the HMPV virus."
He further said, “In a separate study carried out between 2014 and 2016, this virus was also found in Dhaka.” He remarked that there is no valid reason to spread panic about the outbreak of this virus.
It is known that infection with this virus causes symptoms resembling those of a common cold or cough, such as persistent nasal discharge, sore throat, and a higher risk of infection for children and the elderly. Individuals with weakened immune systems may also be vulnerable to infection and illness. While the HMPV virus was identified nearly twenty years ago, a vaccine has not yet been developed.
Doctors recommend following health guidelines such as washing hands with soap, avoiding contact with the face using unclean hands, keeping a safe distance from those who are infected, and wearing a mask in crowded places to stay protected.
Dr. Arifa Akram, Head of the Virology Department at the National Institute of Laboratory Medicine and Referral Center, said, "This virus is not new to the country. Almost two decades ago, we regularly detected its presence in the respiratory panel during research activities. The people of our country have immunity against this virus. This virus is not fatal. However, children and elderly patients need to be cautious."
Dr. Abu Hussain Md. Moinul Ahsan, Director (Hospitals and Clinics) of the Directorate General of Health Services, remarked, "The Health Directorate is closely monitoring the HMPV virus. There is no need for alarm. No emergency has been declared in China, and the World Health Organization has not issued any warnings. The IEDCR has the necessary capabilities to detect the HMPV virus."
He added, "As an additional precaution, increased focus has been placed on screening at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The same health protocols that were followed for the COVID-19 virus should also be applied to this virus. There is no need to panic."
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