HMPV: We are ready to tackle any possible outbreak —NIMR

THE Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has declared its readiness to battle a possible outbreak of the Human Metapneumo Virus, HMPV, circulating currently in China.

The Director General of the Institute, Professor John Obafunwa, in a press statement said that NIMR was in close contact and ready to collaborate with relevant government agencies and institutions as the country intensifies efforts to strengthen its preparedness for all health emergencies.

He stated, “Following media enquiries about the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research’s (NIMR) preparedness, given the 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 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.

“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.”

The World Health Organisation (WHO) had earlier said it has not received any reports of unusual outbreak patterns of the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China or the Chinese authorities triggering any emergency declarations or responses by the virus.

“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 health care systems treating sick persons,” WHO said.

WHO however recommended 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, and that people with mild symptoms should stay home to avoid infecting other people and rest.

Discovered in 2001, HMPV is in the Pneumoviridae family along with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Broader use of molecular diagnostic testing has increased the identification and awareness of HMPV as an important cause of upper and lower respiratory infection.

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