A case of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection has been detected in Bangladesh last Sunday. A woman from Bhairab in Kishoreganj was confirmed to have contracted the virus. Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Line Director of Communicable Disease Control Programme Dr Halimur Rashid confirmed the report.
However, during the last two weeks HMPV is spreading another panic after the Corona pandemic. The infection was first detected in China on early January this year. Then the virus was detected in Japan. Now the HMPV outbreak has also spread to Malaysia and India, finally entering Bangladesh.
The virus, first detected in the Netherlands in 2001 spreads through direct contact or contaminated surfaces. It causes mild respiratory symptoms, similar to the flu, cough, fever, and blocked nose. Mild cases of HMPV usually last a few days to a week. In case a person falls very sick, it will probably take longer to get cured. And patientsmay also experience lingering symptoms, such as a pro-longed cough.
The point, however, there is no need to panic about this virus. It has been detected in the country before, and the mortality rate from this virus is very low.The DGHS noted that HMPV causes mild respiratory symptoms, typically subsiding within 2-5 days, and urged the public not to panic but to strictly adhere to health guidelines.
A widely circulated fact about the virus attack says - in most cases, HMPV patients get better at home in a few days. But sometimes HMPV can cause serious complications. In particular, young children, adults over 65 and people with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk for severe illnesses.
At the same time, it is equally important for all of us to follow health guidelines issued by DGHS authorities. The guidelines emphasized on personal hygiene and maintaining social distance including wearing face masks, frequent hand-washing with soap or using hand sanitizer for at least 20 seconds, covering nose and mouth with an arm or tissue when sneezing or coughing. In addition, used tissues should be disposed of in covered bins immediately. The DGHS also advised avoiding contact with infected individuals, maintaining a three-foot distance, and refraining from touching face with unclean hands. Individuals experiencing symptoms like fever, cough or breathing difficulties are encouraged to stay home until fully recovered.
Following detection of the first HMPV case in the country, we advise medical hospitals, air, sea and land ports and entry points must reinforce and strictly monitor health protocols. Officials at medical colleges, district and upazila health offices must introduce strict guidelines, so to prevent the virus's spread.
Prevention is better than cure.
