TDS Desk:

Professor Dr Syedur Rahman, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, said that there is no pandemic threat related to HMPV and no warnings have been issued by the WHO or any other authority, so a border alert is not necessary.

He also confirmed that the government is prepared for the situation.

During a briefing on the current situation of HMPV infections and necessary actions on Monday, he said: “This virus has been present since before 2017 and even from 2001. The effort to identify this virus has never been made. It is one of many viruses that cause respiratory infections in common colds and flu. It is a regular flu that resolves within seven days.”

He further said: “The WHO and other international organizations do not emphasize detecting this virus. It is treated as a regular flu and for those without other physical complications, it remains a common flu.”

He continued saying: “This virus has been identified globally as one of the causes of the common flu, and it has been circulating in our region for a long time. It has not been classified as fatal so far. There is always the possibility of mutation when the virus circulates, and this is being monitored.

Syedur Rahman mentioned that neither the WHO nor any other organization had issued a warning.

He assured that the authorities have the capability to conduct tests if necessary.

He said that the public should not panic as the situation does not require it and the condition will be treated as a regular flu by doctors.

He said: “Our expert committee will meet to discuss treatment protocols. If updates are necessary, they will advise. However, I do not anticipate any major changes.”