By Chioma Obinna

The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) Thursday said it was ready to battle a possible outbreak of the Human Metapneumo Virus, HMPV, circulating currently in China

Disclosing this in a press statement, the Director General, of the Institute, Prof. John Obafunwa, said 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.

The statement reads in parts, “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 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 this week said it was in contact with Chinese health officials and has not received any reports of unusual outbreak patterns of the human metapneumovirus (HMPV).

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

WHO 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.

They also advised that people at high risk or with complicated or severe symptoms should seek medical care as soon as possible; urging that 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.

WHO called on Member States to maintain surveillance for respiratory pathogens through an integrated approach, considering country context, priorities, resources and capacities.

Based on the current risk assessment, WHO advised against any travel or trade restrictions related to current trends in acute respiratory infections.

According to US Centre for Disease Control, the Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) 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.