The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has launched a campaign against Human Meta-pneumovirus (HMPV); a respiratory virus causing flu-like symptoms.

 

The disease particularly affects children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

 

The Akwa Ibom State Director of the Agency, MKPOUTOM MKPOUTOM told newsmen in uyo that the symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion, sore throat, shortness of breath; wheezing in severe cases.

 

MKPOUTOM promised that the NOA will continue to create the necessary awareness in all the Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom state rural communities.

Meanwhile, The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) says the country is not under serious threat for now for the Human Meta-pneumovirus.

 

The NCDC Director General, DR JIDE IDRIS said while there have been concerns over the outbreak of the virus in certain parts of the world, the country is safe and there is no cause for alarm.

 

In an Interview aired on Television earlier today, the NCDC Boss said the country is monitoring the situation and is on high alert with no cases reported in Nigeria yet.

 

He also indicated that the screening for HMPV has been introduced in the country’s health facilities, as a measure for heightened preparedness in case there is a reported case of the infection.

 

DR JIDE IDRIS listed that avoiding overcrowded places, washing of hands, and others key protection measures against HMPV, must be embraced by every citizen.