HMPV: Bangladesh reports its first fatality

Bangladesh has confirmed its first Flu-like human metapneumovirus (HMPV) related death.

Sanjida Akhter, the 30-year-old victim who was undergoing treatment at the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Mohakhali, died on Wednesday (January 15) evening, says Dr. Ariful Bashar, superintendent at the hospital.

The country’s first case of HMPV was reported on January 12, according to the Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control and Research (IEDCR).

Flu-like human metapneumovirus (HMPV) has again sparked fears of another Covid-like pandemic. China says the surge in cases, especially among children, is due to a seasonal spike.

HMPV is a virus that will lead to a mild upper respiratory tract infection - practically indistinguishable from flu - for most people.

First identified in the Netherlands in 2001, the virus spreads through direct contact between people or when someone touches surfaces contaminated with it.

Symptoms for most people include cough, fever and nasal congestion.