DHAKA, Jan 16, 2025 (BSS) – Special Assistant to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Prof Dr Md Sayedur Rahman today said that the woman infected with Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in the country died of multi-organ failures (multiple organ dysfunction syndromes) apart from pneumonia.

He disclosed this at an urgent press conference at the conference room of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare   over the news published in various media outlets about the death of    a woman named Sanjida Akhter, aged 30 from  HMPV virus.

Sanjida Akhter died while undergoing treatment at a hospital in the capital after being infected with HMPV on Wednesday evening.

Urging people not to be panic about HMPV, the special assistant said, "It is possible to protect yourself from this virus by following some health guidelines along with maintaining general hygiene."

The deceased Sanjida has been infected for more than a month, he said, adding that she took treatment from unregistered doctors near her house.

Later, when her condition was worsening , she came to a hospital in Dhaka, he said, adding that she was given antibiotics and oxygen there.

"Four days later, when her condition was further deteriorated; she was transferred to another hospital in Dhaka. Following the medical test she was found   HMPV positive," he said.
Prof Dr Md Sayedur Rahman said the ministry is not issuing any kind of warning excepting but some advices to maintain health rules .

"Everyone should follow the health advice. Wash your hands, come less to public places if you are sick, and stay inside home," he added.

Responding to a query from journalists, he said, "We are not yet advising anyone to maintain distance. However, if someone is infected with the flu, they should come less in contact with the people. If they are sick, they should stay inside home."

Health Services Division Secretary Md Saidur Rahman, Director General of Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Prof Dr Md Abu Zafar and Director of the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control & Research (IEDCR) Professor Dr Tahmina Shirin were present at the press conference.