No cause for concern over HMPV virus: IEDCR

The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control, and Research (IEDCR) has stated that there is no need for people in the country to worry about the risks of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) at the moment.

IEDCR Director Professor Dr Tahmina Shirin told BSS news agency that HMPV was first detected in Bangladesh in 2017. Since then, it has been detected more or less every year, she added.

"So far, many people have been identified with the virus, but there is no history of complications," she said, adding that, therefore, there is no cause for concern regarding HMPV at present.

Mentioning that the virus is not harmful, she said, "Its symptoms are common, such as pneumonia, fever, cold, cough, and breathing problems. The risk of death is low. The mortality rate is almost non-existent. So, there is nothing to panic about."

It is noteworthy that there has been an outbreak of the HMPV virus in China and Japan recently. The virus has also been detected in the bodies of two children in the neighbouring country, India.

Taking into account the detection of the virus in a neighbouring country, Bangladesh's health department has placed the matter under vigilant surveillance.

Professor Dr Saif Ullah Munshi, Dean of the Faculty of Basic Science and Para Clinical Science at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University and Director of Bangabandhu Super Specialized Hospital, told BSS that the virus has been present in Bangladesh for a long time.

"It is not that harmful. It mainly infects children and elderly people," he said.

He added, "Though it mainly causes breathing problems, sometimes it also causes body aches, vomiting, and pneumonia."