Hazrat Shah Amanat International Airport (HSAIA). Photo: Civil aviation authority of Bangladesh.

CHATTOGRAM, Jan 15, 2025 (BSS)- Hazrat Shah Amanat International Airport (HSAIA) authorities have issued seven special instructions for screening the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), which caused panic in China and neighboring countries.

The airport authorities have requested that passengers to must wear facemasks use sanitizers and maintain a distance of at least three feet.

HSAIA Director Group Captain Sheikh Abdullah Alamgir, on Wednesday issued an order to all airliners operating office in Chattogram and relevant airport officials instructing them regarding the measures.

The notification said that seven instructions have been mentioned to prevent the possible spreading of the  infectious virus.

Passengers, staff, and visitors at the airport have been encouraged to wear face masks and use hand sanitizers, the letter stated, adding, if anyone shows symptoms of HMPV, such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath, they should immediately report to the airport health services.

"Domestic and foreign airlines operating at the airport are instructed to take precautionary measures, especially for passengers coming from countries where HMPV cases have been reported.

If anyone shows symptoms of fever or cough on a flight, it must be immediately reported to the airport's health services." the source added.

The notification also mentioned to avoid contact with infected people and all in and adjacent airport facilities must keep a distance of at least 3 feet.
 
The virus was first detected in China in the beginning of January 2023. It was subsequently identified in Japan. Recently outbreaks of virus have also spread in Malaysia and India.