The Reovirus has been found in five persons in the country for the first time and all have recovered, returned home after treatment.
Prof Tahmina Shirin, director of the Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), said that the institute has recently tested samples from 48 individuals and found the Reovirus in five persons.
They took the sampling as part of IEDCR's routine research on new pathogens in collaboration with Columbia University of United States.
She said none of them experienced significant health complications, and returned home after treatment.
She said the symptoms of Reovirus is similar to the Nipah virus.
The Reovirus spreads through coughing and sneezing. Symptoms include respiratory problems, fever, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can cause pneumonia or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
Children and the elderly are more vulnerable in this case. There is no cause for concern regarding this virus, she said.
NY
