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.

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“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.

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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.

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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.