Bangladesh Reports First Fatality from HMPV

Bangladesh has reported its first fatality linked to the human metapneumovirus (HMPV), a viral infection that primarily affects the respiratory system. The victim, Sanjida Akhter, passed away on Wednesday evening at the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Dhaka after battling multiple health complications.

Sanjida, who had been receiving treatment at the hospital since Sunday, succumbed to the virus around 6:00 p.m. local time. Ariful Bashar, a senior consultant at the hospital, confirmed on Thursday that the woman had several pre-existing conditions, including obesity, kidney issues, and lung complications, which contributed to her critical condition. These underlying health problems made her more vulnerable to the virus, leading to her unfortunate demise.

The death marks a grim milestone, as it comes just days after Bangladesh reported its first case of HMPV infection this season. The woman had tested positive for the virus, which is known to cause respiratory illnesses similar to the flu. Ahmed Nowsher Alam, head of virology at the Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), revealed that the patient had also tested positive for Klebsiella Pneumoniae, a variant of pneumonia that further complicated her condition.

Notably, the woman had no history of overseas travel, which has raised concerns about the potential for local transmission of the virus. Health officials are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further spread of HMPV in the community.

HMPV was first identified in Bangladesh in 2017, and since then, it has been reported almost every winter season. Tahmina Shirin, director of IEDCR, emphasized that the virus is part of the seasonal respiratory illness trend in the country. While most individuals recover with appropriate treatment, those with underlying health conditions, like the late Sanjida Akhter, are at greater risk of severe complications.

Health authorities have urged the public to take preventive measures, such as practicing good hygiene, wearing masks, and seeking medical attention if symptoms of respiratory illness arise.