A woman in Bangladesh with a human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection has died.

Sanjida Akter, 30, hailing from Bhairab, Kishoreganj, a woman infected with HMPV, passed away on Wednesday evening while undergoing treatment at the Mohakhali Infectious Diseases Hospital in the capital, confirmed Dr Ariful Bashar, superintendent of the hospital.

He said this was the first reported case of death involving a person identified with HMPV in the country.

However, it could not be definitively stated that HMPV had been the direct cause of death, the doctor said, adding that the woman had other underlying health complications, which had led to a sudden deterioration in her condition.

On Sunday, it was reported that Sanjida had contracted HMPV. She had no history of foreign travel.

According to the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), the virus was first detected in early January this year in China. It was later identified in Japan. HMPV cases have also been reported in Malaysia and India.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh issued special directives on Monday to curb the spread of HMPV in Bangladesh.

The directive emphasizes taking precautionary measures against HMPV. Passengers, staff and visitors at Dhaka airport are encouraged to wear masks and use hand sanitizers.

Anyone showing symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath – hallmarks of HMPV – must immediately report to the airport health services.

Special caution is advised when bringing passengers from countries with reported HMPV cases.

If any passenger exhibits symptoms such as fever or cough during the flight, it must be reported to the airport health services without delay.