Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) vice-chancellor Prof Md Sharfuddin Ahmed has said no monkeypox cases have been detected in Bangladesh so far.

He said, “We have taken all necessary preparations to provide treatment for Monkeypox virus, although we have not yet found any patient infected with the virus in the country.” 

BSMMU VC also urged people not to be panicked hearing any rumour.

He made the remarks at a press conference at BSMMU campus on Tuesday morning.

Monkeypox cases have been reported recently in 14 countries including the UK, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, the USA, Australia and Canada, he said.

The health authorities have already alerted all land ports and airports to prevent spread of the virus, he added.

Monkeypox is a DNA virus, the BSMMU said, adding it is believed that it can be transmitted if people came in contact with infected animals or take inadequately cooked meat.

The symptoms of the virus are Lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes), cold, fever, perspiration, headache, backache, loss of appetite, breathing problem and cough, he said.

About the Facebook post over the detection of the first Monkeypox case at BSMMU that went viral, BSMMU VC said, “It was just a rumor.”

The matter was informed to Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit of Dhaka Metropolitan Police to take steps to stop the rumor and find out rumor mongers, Sharfuddin Ahmed added.

BDST: 2021 HRS, MAY 24, 2022
MSK/SMS