Kehinde Fajobi
The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has confirmed its preparedness to handle any potential outbreak of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) following reports of the virus circulating in China.
Prof. John Obafunwa, Director-General of NIMR, assured the public in a statement on Thursday that the institute was closely monitoring the situation.
He emphasised that NIMR was ready to collaborate with relevant government agencies to strengthen Nigeria’s health emergency preparedness.
The statement said: “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 reaffirmed its cooperation with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and urged the public to follow the health guidelines issued by the agency.
The World Health Organization (WHO) stated earlier this week that it was in contact with Chinese health authorities but had not received reports of unusual outbreak patterns related to HMPV.
WHO also noted that China’s healthcare system was not overwhelmed by the virus.
“WHO recommended that individuals in areas where it is winter take normal precautions to prevent the spread and reduce risks posed by respiratory pathogens,” the statement from WHO read.
It advised vulnerable individuals to seek medical attention promptly and take preventive measures such as wearing masks and practising good hygiene.
The Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) can cause both upper and lower respiratory disease, particularly affecting children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Discovered in 2001, it is closely related to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and has been increasingly identified as a significant cause of respiratory infections.