DGHS issues guidelines to curb HMPV spread in Bangladesh

The health directorate says children and the elderly are at greater risk of the virus

The newly emerging Human Metapneumovirus, or HMPV, in Bangladesh can be prevented by following seven precautions, including avoiding contact with infected people and using masks to protect against winter illnesses.

After the detection of an HMPV case in the country on Thursday, the Directorate General of Health Services, or DGHS, issued guidelines to curb the spread of the virus.

HMPV has also been detected in China and India.

The DGHS has recommended reinforcing health protocols at all health service centres and key entry points nationwide.

The directorate clarified that HMPV, like other respiratory viruses, presents flu-like symptoms, which typically improve within 2-5 days.

There is no need for panic, but health guidelines must be followed to prevent infection.

The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control, and Research, or IEDCR, confirmed the detection of the virus in a patient at the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Dhaka’s Mohakhali.

Later in the evening, a statement from Md Halimur Rashid, line director of the Communicable Disease Control Programme of DGHS, urged the public to follow the guidelines issued to contain the virus.

The statement said that the prevalence and severity of the HMPV virus have increased significantly in several countries, including China and other nations in the subcontinent.

It highlighted that children under 14 years old and individuals aged 65 and above are at a higher risk of infection.

In addition, long-term health conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems may face higher risks.

Precautionary measures issued by the DGHS:

• Use masks to protect against winter respiratory illnesses.

• Cover the nose and mouth with arm or tissue while sneezing or coughing.

• Dispose of used tissues immediately in covered bins and wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser.

• Avoid close contact with infected individuals, maintaining a distance of at least three feet.

• Wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or hand sanitiser.

• Refrain from touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Stay home if experiencing fever, cough, or breathing difficulties until fully recovered.

The DGHS has also directed all medical colleges, civil surgeons, district health supervisors, Upazila health and family welfare officers, health officers at all airports, and port health officers to take steps to prevent further spread.