Bangladesh : Bangladesh has reported its first fatality linked to Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) after a woman died in Dhaka on Thursday. The woman, who had been receiving treatment at the Infectious Diseases Hospital since Sunday, succumbed to multiple health complications. She had been battling several underlying conditions, including obesity, kidney issues, and lung complications, which contributed to her deteriorating health.
The woman, who had tested positive for HMPV, marks the first fatal case of the virus in Bangladesh this season. She was also found to be infected with Klebsiella Pneumoniae, a variant of pneumonia that further complicated her condition. The case has raised concerns, as it was the first time HMPV, which typically causes mild respiratory illnesses, has led to such a severe outcome in the country.
Dr. Ahmed Nowsher Alam, the head of virology at the Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), confirmed that the woman had no history of overseas travel, ruling out the possibility of the infection being contracted abroad. He explained that the presence of underlying health issues combined with the HMPV infection likely played a critical role in the woman’s demise.
Health authorities in Bangladesh to issue cautionary statements regarding HMPV. Although the virus is usually associated with mild symptoms such as cough, fever, and runny nose, health experts have warned that individuals with compromised immune systems or pre-existing conditions could be at higher risk for severe outcomes.
In response to the rise in cases, health authorities are intensifying surveillance and urging the public to take preventive measures. The woman’s case underscores the importance of early detection and treatment, particularly for those with underlying health issues.
The death comes amid a broader concern about respiratory infections in the region. Bangladesh had recently reported its first case of HMPV infection this season, with experts now focusing on understanding the virus’s spread and impact. Healthcare providers are being trained to identify early symptoms of HMPV and other related respiratory illnesses to help mitigate the spread and prevent further fatalities.
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