Special Correspondent //

The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) has detected reovirus for the first time in the country.

The IEDCR said that the virus was found in samples of five patients. None of them suffered from serious health complications. All of them have recovered and returned home after treatment.

IEDCR Director Professor Tahmina Shirin told the media, “Recently, samples of 48 people showing symptoms similar to Nipah virus were tested. Reovirus was detected in the bodies of five of them.”

She said, “These samples were tested jointly with Columbia University in the United States as part of IEDCR’s regular research on new germs.”

The nature of this virus is very similar to coronavirus. However, is this reovirus something to be afraid of? In response to the question, she said, “This virus is usually spread through coughing and sneezing. Its symptoms include shortness of breath, fever, headache, vomiting and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can cause pneumonia or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). Children and the elderly are more vulnerable to this virus. However, there is no need to panic about this virus.’

Professor Tahmina also mentioned, ‘Many encephalitis patients are found in the country, but their cause often remains unknown. This research can be helpful in improving the quality of treatment for such patients.’

Although this is the first time it has been seen in Bangladesh, reovirus is not a new disease at all. This virus was first identified in the world in 1950. Its outbreaks are more common in winter.

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