The Director General, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) Prof. John Oladapo Obafunwa, has assured Nigerians of the preparedness of the institute to tackle any possible outbreak of the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) currently circulating in China.
Obafunwa, made the remarks in a statement sent to Pharmanewsonline Thursday, noting that NIMR is in close contact and will be collaborating with relevant government agencies and institutions as the nation intensifies efforts to strengthen its preparedness for all health emergencies.
HMPV is a virus that causes mild to severe upper respiratory infection in both young and old, with symptoms including that of common cold like coughing, runny nose, sore throat among others.
The US Centre for Disease Control, stated that tHMPV can cause upper and lower respiratory disease in people of all ages, especially among young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
Discovered in 2001, HMPV is in the Pneumoviridae family along with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Broader use of molecular diagnostic testing has increased identification and awareness of HMPV as an important cause of upper and lower respiratory infection.
According to the NIMR boss, “Following media enquiries about the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research’s (NIMR) preparedness, in view of recent “outbreak” of the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China, we wish to assure the general public that the Institute is fully prepared, as Nigeria’s foremost research agency, to fulfil its mandate, concerning the outbreak, if the need arises.
“NIMR also aligns with the views and positions already expounded by the Nigeria Centre for Disease control (NCDC). We hereby enjoin the public to adhere to the public health advisory enunciated by the agency.”
Earlier on Tuesday, the World Health Organisation (WHO) disclosed it was in contact with Chinese health officials and has not received any reports of unusual outbreak patterns of HMPV.
In its latest disease outbreak report on HMPV, WHO says report from Chinese authorities indicated that the health care system there is not overwhelmed and there have been no emergency declarations or responses triggered.
“In many countries of the Northern Hemisphere, trends in acute respiratory infections increase at this time of year. These increases are typically caused by seasonal epidemics of respiratory pathogens such as seasonal influenza, RSV, and other common respiratory viruses, including hMPV, as well as mycoplasma pneumoniae.
“The co-circulation of multiple respiratory pathogens during the winter season can sometimes cause an increased burden on healthcare systems treating sick persons,” WHO says.
WHO recommends that individuals in areas where it is winter take normal precautions to prevent the spread and reduce risks posed by respiratory pathogens, especially to the most vulnerable. People with mild symptoms should stay home to avoid infecting other people and rest. People at high risk or with complicated or severe symptoms should seek medical care as soon as possible. Individuals should also consider wearing a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or bent elbow, practice regular handwashing, and get recommended vaccines as per physician and local public health authorities’ advice.[2]
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