A 30-year-old woman, Sanjida Akter, who was infected with Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Bangladesh, has passed away. She died while receiving treatment at the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Mohakhali.
Dr. Ariful Bashar, the hospital’s supervisor, confirmed her death, stating that she passed away at 7 PM yesterday. This marks the first reported death in Bangladesh linked to a person diagnosed with HMPV.
However, it cannot be conclusively stated that her death was solely caused by the HMPV virus, as she had multiple underlying health conditions that worsened unexpectedly.
When asked about her other health issues, the hospital supervisor revealed that she had also been suffering from Klebsiella pneumonia and kidney problems.
Additionally, she was overweight, which prevented her from being placed on a ventilator. While she had likely recovered from viral pneumonia, it was later complications that might have contributed to her death.
When questioned about whether a death review would be conducted, Dr. Bashar noted that her relatives had already taken the body. However, he added that the relevant department or ministry would provide additional briefings, and further steps would be taken as needed.
The news that the woman had contracted HMPV emerged on January 12. Reports stated that she had no history of international travel. She was from Bhairab, a town in Kishoreganj.
On the same day, an anonymous official from the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control, and Research (IEDCR) confirmed that the woman had been infected with both HMPV and Klebsiella pneumonia.
IEDCR Director, Professor Tahmina Shirin, clarified that HMPV is not a new virus. She explained that cases of HMPV infection are reported annually in the country, affecting only a few individuals.
This virus is not limited to China but has been found in various countries worldwide, including Bangladesh.
Experts have stated that there is no specific antiviral treatment for HMPV, and no vaccine is available to prevent it. Treatment is based on the symptoms presented by the patient.
Despite reassurances that the virus does not pose an immediate threat, the Health Directorate has issued warnings as the virus spreads in neighboring countries.
On January 12, the Health Directorate’s Disease Control branch released a statement noting that the HMPV outbreak and its severity had significantly increased in China and other subcontinent countries.
The statement highlighted that individuals under 14 and over 65 years of age are at greater risk of contracting the virus, along with those who have pre-existing health conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
HMPV infections have been detected in several countries, including Bangladesh, following outbreaks in China and other countries. In order to control the spread, health protocols must be reinforced at healthcare centers and points of entry.
The virus was first detected in China in early January, and it has since spread to Japan, Malaysia, and India.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HMPV was first identified in 2001. However, experts suggest that the virus may have existed much earlier, potentially as far back as 1958.
The CDC also reports that individuals infected with HMPV can develop bronchitis or pneumonia. However, it has mainly been observed in children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.