Bangladesh has reported its first death linked to the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). The fatality occurred on Wednesday evening when a woman, identified as Sanjida Akhter, passed away at Dhaka’s Infectious Diseases Hospital after battling multiple health complications. The hospital confirmed her death on Thursday.
According to senior consultant Dr. Ariful Bashar of the hospital, the patient had underlying diseases, including obesity, kidney complications, and lung problems, which placed her at risk from the virus. She was admitted to the facility on Sunday.
This case marks Bangladesh’s first reported instance of HMPV this season, highlighting growing concerns about the virus. The head of virology at the Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Ahmed Nowsher Alam, revealed that the patient had also tested positive for Klebsiella pneumoniae, a type of bacterial infection often linked to severe respiratory issues. Notably, the woman had no history of international travel, indicating local transmission of the virus.
A Familiar Presence in Bangladesh
The Human Metapneumovirus is no stranger to Bangladesh. IEDCR Director Dr. Tahmina Shirin pointed out that the virus was first isolated in the country in 2017 and has been reported nearly every winter season. This seasonality mirrors trends elsewhere around the world.
What Is HMPV?
HMPV was first isolated in 2001 and falls under the family Pneumoviridae, which includes the Respiratory Syncytial Virus. It is an established respiratory pathogen among children, elderly people, and immunocompromised individuals.
According to U.S. CDC, HMPV is typically most active at the end of winter and beginning of spring when the climate has been temperate. The main symptoms of virus infection are characterized by cough and fever, sneezing with nasal congestion and shortness of breath. For most people affected, the infections are mild, but for risk groups, their symptoms can go severe, specifically those with various pre-existing diseases.
No Vaccination or targeted treatment
Unlike other respiratory viruses like COVID-19 or the flu, there is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for HMPV. Treatment is mainly symptomatic and aimed at controlling symptoms, especially in severe cases. This makes preventive measures such as hygiene practices and monitoring vulnerable populations during seasonal outbreaks all the more important.
Awareness
The death of Sanjida Akhter underscores the need for increased surveillance and public awareness about HMPV in Bangladesh. Winter conditions and large-scale gatherings are very common during this season, so health authorities should remain vigilant and not let further spread occur.
As the global health community continues to study HMPV, the focus remains on strengthening local healthcare systems to handle emerging infectious diseases effectively.
