Summary:
- A 30-year-old Bangladeshi woman, Sanjida Akter, died while infected with Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), marking the first reported death of an HMPV-positive patient in the country.
- Doctors confirmed her death was likely caused by multiple pre-existing health complications, including Klebsiella pneumoniae, kidney issues, and obesity, rather than HMPV alone.
- HMPV is not a new virus in Bangladesh, but its rising cases in neighboring countries like China and India have prompted health authorities to issue warnings and stress preventive measures.
- There is no specific treatment or vaccine for HMPV; care focuses on symptom management, with vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly at higher risk.
In a concerning development, Bangladesh has recorded its first death involving a patient infected with the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). The deceased, identified as 30-year-old Sanjida Akter, passed away on January 15, 2025, while receiving treatment at the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Mohakhali. The hospital’s director, Dr. Ariful Bashar, confirmed the incident and stated that while the patient was diagnosed with HMPV, her death cannot be definitively attributed to the virus alone.
“The patient had multiple underlying health conditions, including Klebsiella pneumoniae infection, kidney problems, and obesity,” Dr. Bashar explained. He noted that these complications significantly worsened her condition. “She was recovering from viral pneumonia but deteriorated due to other complications,” he added.
Sanjida Akter’s case was first reported on January 12, 2025, when she tested positive for HMPV. Notably, she had no history of international travel, and her home is in Bhairab, Kishoreganj. This marks a significant moment as it is the first officially reported death of an HMPV-infected individual in Bangladesh.
The Human Metapneumovirus is not new; it was first identified in 2001 and has been present globally for decades. According to health experts, the virus primarily affects children under five years old, elderly individuals over 65, and people with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions. Symptoms range from mild respiratory issues like cough and fever to severe complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
Dr. Tahmina Shirin, Director of the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), emphasized that HMPV is not a novel virus in Bangladesh. “We have detected cases annually. It is not unique to China or any single country—it exists worldwide,” she stated.
Despite this reassurance, the recent surge in HMPV cases across neighboring countries like China and India has raised alarms. Health authorities in Bangladesh have urged vigilance, particularly because there are no specific antiviral treatments or vaccines for HMPV. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and providing supportive care.
A press release from Bangladesh’s Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) highlighted the heightened risk for vulnerable groups such as young children, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD. The DGHS has called for stricter adherence to hygiene protocols at healthcare facilities and entry points into the country to prevent further spread.
Globally, HMPV has been making headlines due to its rising prevalence. In China, reports of increased cases have overwhelmed healthcare systems during the winter season. However, experts caution against panic. Dr. Carla Garcia Carreno from the U.S.-based Children’s Medical Center Plano noted that HMPV is not a pandemic-level threat like COVID-19 due to its long-standing presence and relatively stable nature.
In Bangladesh’s context, Sanjida Akter’s death serves as a stark reminder of the virus’s potential impact when coupled with pre-existing health issues. While officials stress there is no cause for widespread alarm, they also underscore the importance of public awareness and preventive measures to mitigate risks associated with respiratory infections like HMPV.
As investigations continue into Sanjida Akter’s case and its implications for public health policy in Bangladesh, authorities are expected to provide further updates and guidance in the coming days.
Source: Dhaka Post
