The Human Metapneumovirus (HMpV), which has recently been detected in China, Japan, and Malaysia, has now surfaced in India. Two cases involving infants aged three and eight months were reported in Bengaluru. This development has sparked discussions in Bangladesh due to its proximity to India, leading to curiosity and concern among the public about the virus.

Bangladeshi medical experts, however, have urged against panic. They have clarified that HMpV is not a new virus in Bangladesh. It was previously detected in the country around 2011 and 2012. During those years, scientists observed no severe impact from the virus. For the past two decades, researchers have been monitoring HMpV and have access to comprehensive data about its behavior. According to experts, there has been no significant mutation or variation in the virus, and Bangladesh is fully equipped to detect it.

The virus was first identified in China last week before appearing in Japan and Malaysia. India has now reported its first cases, prompting the Karnataka state health minister to hold an emergency meeting on Monday. Indian media outlets, including NDTV, reported that one of the infants has already been discharged from the hospital, while the other is recovering steadily under medical care in Bengaluru. The state's health secretary has reassured residents that there is no need for alarm.

Dr. Mushtuq Hossain, an adviser and former chief scientific officer at Bangladesh's Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control, and Research (IEDCR), emphasized that HMpV is an old virus, present in both Bangladesh and India for years. He explained that the recent attention stems from its sudden rise in China, where advanced health systems often issue public health alerts for unexpected increases in patient numbers. This heightened global focus has brought the virus into the spotlight.

While the virus does not currently pose a significant threat, Dr. Hossain recommended conducting genomic sequencing to monitor for any genetic mutations. He noted that respiratory viruses can evolve, potentially becoming either more infectious or less impactful. The sequencing will help determine whether HMpV is undergoing genetic changes and guide appropriate responses based on any new symptoms or affected groups.

HMpV spreads through coughing, sneezing, and direct contact. Dr. Hossain highlighted that individuals at higher risk include young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, asthma, kidney disease, or cancer. He advised people with prolonged fever lasting more than three days to seek medical attention.

Bangladesh is well-prepared to manage the virus, as it has previously been identified through tests on influenza patients, with 10-12% showing HMpV infections. Scientists at IEDCR and the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B) have been tracking the virus for two decades. They have reassured the public that there is no evidence of major mutations or increased risk from HMpV.

Dr. Saif Ullah Munshi, a professor in the virology department at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), also stated that HMpV is not a new virus. Healthy adults are less likely to contract it, and even if they do, the effects are typically mild. He stressed that the virus has been present in Bangladesh for years under the same name and does not warrant undue concern.

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) in Bangladesh is maintaining a cautious approach. Professor Dr. Farhad Hossain, director of the disease control branch, confirmed that HMpV cases have been detected in Bangladesh since 2017. However, no new cases have been identified this year. Discussions with the World Health Organization (WHO) and Chinese authorities have indicated no emergency declaration regarding the virus. Despite some misinformation circulating, both WHO and local health authorities have confirmed that there is no reason for panic.

The DGHS is monitoring the situation closely and plans to revisit strategies for preventing the spread of HMpV. Public health officials continue to stress the importance of vigilance, particularly regarding respiratory hygiene and early identification of symptoms.