No Monkeypox cases have been detected in Bangladesh so far, said Prof Dr Md Sharfuddin Ahmed, Vice-Chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU).

“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,” he said.

Ther BSMMU VC revealed the information while talking at a press briefing held at Shaheed Dr Milton Hall on Tuesday. He also urged people to not to be  panicked hearing any rumour.

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

Already, the health authorities have alerted all land ports and airports to prevent spread of the virus, he said. Monkeypox is a DNA virus. It is believed that it can be transmitted if people came in contact with infected animals or take inadequately cooked meat, said the BSMMU VC.

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

BSMMU VC also advised  people to refrain from getting close to infected or suspected animals. But if anyone found infected he/she should stay in isolation until their lesions have crusted.

Referring to the Facebook post over detection of first Monkeypox case at BSMMU that went viral, Prof. Sharfuddin said assistance was sought from the Cyber Crime Investigation Division of Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) Unit of police verbally to  identify those involved in spreading the rumour.