Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) rarely causes fatalities, but continuous mutations could render it deadly, warned Dr Sayedur Rahman, a special assistant at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Addressing a press briefing at the Health Ministry on Thursday, Dr Rahman made the remarks following the death of a woman, Sanjida Akter, who was infected with HMPV. Dr Rahman explained that Sanjida had been ill for over a month, initially seeking treatment locally before being hospitalised as her condition worsened. First reported HMPV case in Bangladesh ends in death “Scientific research indicates that deaths caused by HMPV are extremely rare. Sanjida was primarily affected by Klebsiella pneumonia, which later led to multi-organ failure. She also suffered from obesity and thyroid dysfunction. While pneumonia and organ failure caused her death, she was unfortunately also infected with HMPV,” Dr Rahman clarified. He went to say, “HMpV typically does not result in death. Although it has been spreading in neighbouring countries, the World Health Organisation and other international agencies have established health guidelines to control its transmission.” Dr Rahman emphasised precautionary measures to curb the virus’s spread, urging people experiencing flu-like symptoms to avoid public spaces and wear masks if they must go out. “Frequent handwashing and wearing masks in public can effectively prevent HMPV transmission,” he added. Medical team deployed at Hili Checkpost to combat HMPV virus Responding to questions from journalists, Dr Rahman noted that viruses mutate as they spread, making them potentially more harmful. “COVID-19, for instance, was an old virus that became hazardous due to mutations. Similarly, HMpV may become fatal if its spread and mutation are not controlled,” he warned. Although there is currently no advisory for maintaining social distancing, Dr Rahman recommended limiting interaction with others during illness and staying home to recover. HMPV virus: Passengers asked to wear masks at Dhaka airport Health Services Division Secretary Sayedur Rahman, Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Prof Dr Md Abu Jafar, and Director of the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) Prof Dr Tahmina Shirin, among others, attended the press conference. The health experts urged all to remain vigilant and adhere to preventive measures to mitigate the risks associated with HMPV.

Twenty-seven new dengue cases were reported in the 24 hours leading up to Thursday morning, bringing the total number of cases to 772 this year. Of the new cases, five were reported in the Dhaka North City Corporation, while 6 others were hospitalised in the Dhaka South City Corporation, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). First reported HMPV case in Bangladesh ends in death The number of deaths remained at 7, with no new fatalities reported during this period, the DGHS added. Currently, 260 dengue patients are receiving treatment in hospitals across the country. Dhaka's air quality is worst in the world this morning Last year, dengue claimed the lives of 575 people. According to the DGHS, there were 101,214 dengue cases and 100,040 recoveries in 2024.

Sanjida Akter, the first patient in Bangladesh diagnosed with the human metapneumovirus (HMPV), has passed away while undergoing treatment at the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Mohakhali. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) confirmed the information on Thursday. According to DGHS officials, "This is the only HMPV case we have reported this year. The patient passed away on Wednesday evening. However, it does not seem that HMpv alone caused her death." They explained that an additional organism was found in her system, and she was already suffering from multiple complications. It cannot be conclusively said that HMPV was the sole reason for her death. There is no cause for panic regarding HMPV, they added. A briefing on the matter is scheduled for 1:15 pm today by Dr Md Sayedur Rahman, Special Assistant Professor at the Ministry of Health. Medical team deployed at Hili Checkpost to combat HMPV virus Earlier, the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) revealed on Sunday (January 12) that the patient, a woman from Bhairab in Kishoreganj district, had contracted the virus. IEDCR Director, Professor Tahmina Shirin, said, "Every year, we observe two to four cases of HMpv infection." While the virus has gained attention recently, particularly after its widespread presence in northern China, experts have dismissed concerns about a potential pandemic. The Chinese Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advised citizens to adopt precautionary measures to avoid infection. HMPV virus: Passengers asked to wear masks at Dhaka airport Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning commented, "Respiratory illnesses such as HMpv tend to surge during the winter months. However, the spread this year has been notably less compared to previous years." What is HMPV? Human metapneumovirus is a respiratory virus that can cause mild cold-like symptoms in most individuals. However, in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and immunocompromised individuals, the virus can lead to severe respiratory illnesses. Bangladeshi health authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant and follow standard health guidelines to minimise risks during the winter season.

Dhaka has topped the list of cities with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 254 at 8:30am today. The air was classified as "very unhealthy", according to the AQI index on Saturday. Egypt’s Cairo, India’s Delhi and Vietnam’s Hanoi, occupied the 2nd, third and fourth spots on the list, with AQI scores of 242, 239 and 230 respectively. When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 50 and 100, air quality is considered ‘moderate’, between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents. Read more: Dhaka's air quality 2nd worst in the world this morning The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon. As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.

Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum emphasized that the spirit of July-August Uprising must be upheld as the country moves forward in eliminating all forms of discrimination. To address the existing challenges in the health sector, she called for collective effort. She made these remarks as the chief guest at the inauguration of the Bangladesh Health Workforce Strategy 2024, organized by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s Health Services Division and the World Health Organization (WHO) on January 13, at the CIRDP auditorium in the capital. The Health Adviser said that while there is a shortage of skilled workforce, it is equally important to focus on the proper utilization of the existing workforce. “Currently, there is a shortage of nurses in Chattogram and Sylhet regions. If someone from Rangpur is posted in Sylhet or Chattogram, how long will they stay there? Nurses currently have no career path. We need to plan their future career paths properly,” she added. She said, “In addition to incentives, social recognition is also necessary. If we can offer recognition and respect, students will be more motivated to pursue health-related fields.” Dr. Md. Saeedur Rahman, Special Assistant to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, spoke as a special guest and described the Bangladesh Health Workforce Strategy 2024 as a timely and time-bound plan that outlines when and where specific goals will be achieved. The event was chaired by Mohammad Sayedur Rahman, Secretary of the Health Services Division, and was also attended by Dr. Sarwar Bari, Secretary of the Health Education Division, Professor Dr. Md. Abu Jafar, Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services, WHO Bangladesh Representative Ahmed Jamshed Mohammad, and Deputy Development Director of the British High Commission in Dhaka, Duncan Overfield, among others.

One more death was reported from dengue in 24 hours till Sunday morning, raising the number of fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 5 this year. The death has been reported in the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). IEDCR confirms HMVP case in Bangladesh During the period, 57 more patients were hospitalised with viral fever, it added. Of them, six dengue patients were admitted in hospital under Dhaka North City Corporation while 11 were hospitalised in Dhaka South City Corporation. Currently, 311 patients are receiving treatment in hospitals across the country. Reovirus detected in Bangladesh: 5 cases identified Last year, dengue claimed the lives of 575 people. According to the DGHS, there were 101,214 dengue cases and 100,040 recoveries in 2024.

A case of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has been detected in Bangladesh, according to the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR). A woman from Bhairab in Kishoreganj was confirmed to have contracted the virus, IEDCR revealed on Sunday. Reovirus detected in Bangladesh: 5 cases identified IEDCR Director Prof. Tahmina Shirin said, “Every year, a few cases of HMPV infection are identified. This virus is not new; it has been detected in various countries including in Bangladesh,” On January 8, a press briefing by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) highlighted a rising prevalence of HMPV in China following the COVID-19 pandemic, sparking global concerns over a potential health crisis. Health adviser visits Aalo Clinic in Karail Prof. Tahmina said akthough the virus is not new increased awareness and surveillance are necessary to monitor its impact. HMPV is known to cause respiratory infections, particularly among children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems.

One more death was reported from dengue in 24 hours till Saturday morning, raising the number of fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 4 this year. The death has been reported in the Mymensingh division (outside the city corporations), according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Reovirus detected in Bangladesh: 5 cases identified During the period, 45 more patients were hospitalised with viral fever, it added. Of them, nine dengue patients were admitted in hospital under Dhaka North City Corporation while 15 were hospitalised in Dhaka South City Corporation. Currently, 320 patients are receiving treatment in hospitals across the country. Health reforms based on commission's recommendations: Adviser Last year, dengue claimed the lives of 575 people. According to the DGHS, there were 101,214 dengue cases and 100,040 recoveries in 2024.

Nineteen new dengue cases were reported in the 24 hours leading up to Friday morning, bringing the total number of cases to 528 this year. Of the new cases, six were reported in the Dhaka North City Corporation, while 5 others were hospitalised in the Dhaka South City Corporation, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The number of deaths remained unchanged, as no fatalities were recorded during this period, the DGHS added. Currently, 334 dengue patients are receiving treatment in hospitals across the country. Last year, dengue claimed the lives of 575 people. According to the DGHS, there were 101,214 dengue cases and 100,040 recoveries in 2024.

For the first time in Bangladesh, the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control, and Research (IEDCR) has detected the Reovirus in the bodies of five individuals. This discovery came after testing patients with Nipah virus symptoms in 2024, IEDCR Director Professor Tahmina Shirin told UNB on Friday. Fortunately, none of the affected individuals became seriously ill. After receiving treatment, all of them recovered and returned home, she said. The health department has assured that there is no cause for concern regarding the Reovirus. Read: HMPV Virus Outbreak: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention It is common for many individuals to be infected with the Nipah virus after drinking raw date juice during the winter months. However, the five individuals who tested positive for the Reovirus were all negative for the Nipah virus. This disease has not spread widely, and these five cases are the first instances of Reovirus in Bangladesh. Read more: Rise of Human Metapneumovirus sparks concerns The virus was identified through regular research conducted by IEDCR in collaboration with Columbia University, USA.