Just as the world was recovering from the panic of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new virus has raised concerns. This virus is the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), which was identified two decades ago but still lacks an effective vaccine. The virus has been spreading rapidly in China and Japan, raising alarms among the medical community. Dr Michael Head, a senior researcher at the University of Southampton, has cautioned that the HMPV virus, alongside other diseases like measles, cholera, and bird flu, could potentially trigger the next global pandemic. The possibility of widespread infection remains high, with HMPV emerging as a top concern due to its fast transmission and potentially high mortality rate. In China, hospitals are facing overcrowded conditions reminiscent of the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, while Japan has reported over 700,000 cases of cold-related illnesses this season alone. Although the virus is spreading swiftly, neither the World Health Organization (WHO) nor the Chinese government have issued formal warnings yet, though a state of emergency in China is becoming increasingly likely. HMPV primarily affects vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions. The virus begins with cold-like symptoms but can quickly develop into severe respiratory issues such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or ear infections. Infected individuals may experience a worsening of symptoms within three to six days. Experts believe that the extended COVID-19 lockdowns in China could have weakened immune systems, making people more susceptible to this new virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the U.S. warns that HMPV is highly contagious, spreading through sneezing, coughing, close contact, and touching contaminated surfaces. Currently, there is no specific treatment or vaccine for HMPV. In China, hospitals are managing the outbreak with general medications, while the United States and other countries are on high alert. Public health experts recommend frequent hand washing, social distancing, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals as basic preventive measures. In India, health authorities are also taking precautions. Dr Atul Goyal, Director-General of Health Services in India, emphasized the need for vigilance regarding respiratory illnesses, advising that symptoms should not be overlooked. While initially believed to be a mild flu, the rapid spread of HMPV has prompted hospitals to prepare for more serious outcomes.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has seen a surge in outbreaks in China and Japan. This flu-like virus has already infected many, with medical professionals and public health experts warning it could escalate to a crisis similar to COVID-19. Experts fear a new pandemic could emerge as early as 2025. While no specific disease has been identified as the next global threat, the growing prevalence of HMPV is raising concerns. Reports and social media posts reveal overcrowded hospitals in China, with claims that multiple viruses, including HMPV, Influenza A, Mycoplasma pneumonia, and even COVID-19, are on the rise. What is HMPV, and What Are Its Symptoms? HMPV symptoms resemble those of the flu and other respiratory infections, particularly affecting children and immunocompromised individuals. Common symptoms include: Cough Fever Nasal congestion Shortness of breath The incubation period for HMPV is typically 3–6 days, with symptoms varying in duration depending on the severity of the infection. While it may begin with mild cold-like symptoms, severe cases can lead to hospitalization due to bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma exacerbations, or ear infections. How Does HMPV Spread? HMPV spreads in ways similar to other respiratory viruses: Respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. Direct physical contact, such as handshakes or touching infected surfaces. Touching the face (mouth, nose, or eyes) after contact with contaminated areas. Prevention and Protection Although HMPV was first identified nearly two decades ago, no vaccine has been developed to date. Doctors suggest that preventive measures used against COVID-19 can also be effective in managing HMPV: Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Avoiding touching the face with unclean hands. Maintaining a safe distance from infected individuals. Adhering to these measures can help reduce the risk of infection and keep the virus at bay.

Air pollution is increasing day by day in various cities around the world due to various reasons including climate change. Along with this, Dhaka's air has also been under the grip of pollution for a long time. Dhaka's air is still 'unhealthy' on Tuesday (December 3) morning. According to the data of the international air quality technology company IQAir at around 8 am, the capital Dhaka is in sixth position with a score of 186. This air is harmful to any person. Today, pollution is high in five places in Dhaka and its surroundings. These places include Eastern Housing 2, Hemayetpur in Savar, Rob Bhaban in Gulshan-2, the US Embassy in Dhaka, and the Aga Khan Academy. At the same time, the Indian city of Delhi is at the top of the list of the most polluted cities in the world with a score of 248. Iraq's capital Baghdad is in second place with a score of 226, Pakistan's Karachi is in third place with a score of 219, another Pakistani city Lahore is in second place with a score of 217 and China's Hangzhou is in fifth place with a score of 202. An Air Quality Index (AQI) score of zero to 50 is considered good. 51 to 100 is considered moderate, and 101 to 150 is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. A score of 151 to 200 is considered 'unhealthy' air. An AQI score between 201 and 300 is called 'very unhealthy'. In this situation, children, the elderly, and sick patients are advised to stay indoors and others are advised to limit their outdoor activities. Furthermore, an AQI between 301 and 400 is considered 'hazardous', which poses a serious health risk to city dwellers.

In the last year, 195 people have died of AIDS in the country. This year, 1,438 people have been newly infected with AIDS. This is the highest number of AIDS cases since the first HIV (AIDS virus) positive case was identified in Bangladesh in 1989. Of these, 55 percent are married. This information was obtained from the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy, and AIDS Control Program (TB-L & ASP) of the Department of Health. Today is December 1, World AIDS Day. On this occasion, the Department of Health will present various statistics related to AIDS in the country. The theme of this year's World AIDS Day is 'If rights are ensured, HIV/AIDS will go away'. Thoughts on young people and two risk groups  This year, 63 percent of the newly infected people are between 25 to 49 years old. 21 percent are between 20 to 24 years old. Last year, 16 percent of young people were between 19 to 24 years old. Among patients, 10 percent of the total infected people are Rohingya. Last year, the rate was 12 percent. Transgender people account for 1 percent of the total infections. Last year too, the infection rate among them was similar. These three groups, including homosexuals, female sex workers, and intravenous drug users, are also considered vulnerable to HIV. Dr Md. Mahfuzar Rahman Sarkar, Line Director of TB-L & ASP at the Directorate General of Health Services, said, "Globally, the younger population is considered vulnerable to HIV. We are no exception here. And while living in Myanmar, HIV infection was relatively high among the Rohingya. Testing has increased among Rohingya and transgender people than before. Therefore, more are being identified." Dr Saima Khan, Country Director for Bangladesh at UNAIDS, said, the scope of identifying and providing services to HIV-infected people has increased. However, campaigning can be increased to prevent the increase in infections among the young generation. More awareness topics need to be added to the curriculum on this issue. Infection is more common among married people, fear of death Of those infected with AIDS this year, 55 percent are married. 40 percent are single. 5 percent are widowed or divorced. Last year, the infection rate among married people was 60 percent. Among single people, it was 31 percent. Like last year, this year too, the Dhaka division has the highest number of HIV infections. Last year, the number of deaths due to HIV was 266. This year, the number is 195. Although the number of deaths has decreased, it is still at an alarming level, says Nazrul Islam, former vice-chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU). This virologist said that the HIV treatment system is now quite advanced. The cause of death may be that the infected people are not taking regular and proper treatment. Again, it is necessary to pay attention to whether the drugs being given are becoming resistant or not.

The dengue outbreak in the country is not decreasing in any way. Along with the deaths, the number of infected people is also increasing. The pressure of patients in hospitals is increasing rapidly. According to the dengue report of the Department of Health, 173 people have died of dengue this month (November), which is the highest in a month this year. In addition, 29,652 people have been admitted to hospitals due to dengue in November. According to the monthly statistics of this year,  14 died, 1,055 hospitalized in January  3 died, 339 hospitalized in February  5 died, 311 hospitalized in March 2 died, 504 hospitalized in April  12 died, 644 hospitalized in May  8 died, 798 hospitalized in June  12 died, 2,669 hospitalized in July  27 died, 6,521 hospitalized in August 80 died, 18,097 hospitalized in September 134 died, 30,879 hospitalized in October 173 died, 29,652 hospitalized in November So far this year, a total of 91,469 people have been hospitalized due to dengue. Of these, 87,879 have been discharged. 488 have died.  Of the deceased, 208 people died in Dhaka South City Corporation and 89 in Dhaka North City Corporation. The rest died in different parts of the country. Atiqur Rahman, a specialized doctor at DMCH said that dengue is no longer seasonal, it occurs throughout the year. It increases when it starts raining. In addition to using mosquito repellents to prevent dengue, the city corporation must also conduct campaigns everywhere. At the same time, everyone must be aware of it. Entomologist Dr Manjur Chowdhury says that not only public awareness will work to control mosquitoes. Appropriate measures must be taken by conducting proper surveys and using skilled manpower. It is worth noting that in 2023, the highest number of dengue patients in the country's history was 3,21,179, and 1,705 died.

The dengue outbreak in the country is not decreasing in any way. Along with the deaths, the number of infected people is also increasing. The pressure of patients in hospitals increasing. According to the dengue report of the Department of Health, 47 have died of dengue this week (November 23 to November 29) and 5,968 have been admitted to hospitals. According to the statistics of the last seven days, November 23: 10 died, 886 hospitalized November 24: 11 died, 1,079 hospitalized November 25: 2 died, 934 hospitalized November 26: 10 died, 990 hospitalized November 27: 4 died, 888 hospitalized November 28: 7 died, 837 hospitalized November 29: 3 died, 354 hospitalized. So far this year, 90,793 people have been hospitalized due to dengue. Of these, 87,281 have been discharged. 485 died. Atiqur Rahman, a specialized doctor at DMCH said that dengue is no longer seasonal, it occurs throughout the year. It increases when it starts raining. In addition to using mosquito repellents to prevent dengue, the city corporation must also conduct campaigns everywhere. At the same time, everyone must be aware of it. Entomologist Dr Manjur Chowdhury says that not only public awareness will work to control mosquitoes. Appropriate measures must be taken by conducting proper surveys and using skilled manpower. It is worth noting that in 2023, the highest number of dengue patients in the country's history was 3,21,179, and 1,705 people died.

Ten more people have died of dengue in the last 24 hours. 886 people have been admitted to the hospital. This information was revealed in the dengue report of the Directorate General of Health Services on Saturday (November 23). It said that among those admitted to the hospital in the last 24 hours due to dengue, 373 are from Dhaka City Corporation and the rest are from outside Dhaka. During this time, 938 people have been discharged from the hospital. So far this year, 85,712 people have been admitted to the hospital due to dengue. Of these, 81,456 have been discharged. 448 have died. Atiqur Rahman, a specialized doctor at DMCH said that dengue is no longer seasonal now, it occurs throughout the year. It increases when it starts raining. In addition to using mosquito repellents to prevent dengue, the city corporation must also conduct campaigns everywhere. At the same time, everyone must be aware of it. Entomologist Dr Manjur Chowdhury says that not only public awareness will work to control mosquitoes. Appropriate measures must be taken by conducting proper surveys and using skilled manpower. It is worth noting that in 2023, the highest number of dengue patients in the country's history was 3,21,179, and 1,705 people died.