The National Orientation Agency (NOA) under Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation has launched a campaign against Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), otherwise known as respiratory disease that causes flu or cold-like symptoms, affecting children, elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, the Akwa Ibom State Director of the Agency during the campaign in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State Capital, said that the symptoms of the respiratory disease include cough, fever, nasal congestion, sore throat, shortness of breath, wheezing in severe cases, and a potential for bronchiolitis or pneumonia in children.
“In adults, the symptoms can exacerbate to chronic conditions like asthma to mention but a few, it is spread through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing as well as a direct contact with contaminated surfaces”, he added.
He identified those at risk as children under 5 years old, the elderly individuals, especially with underlying health conditions as well as
Immunocompromised patients.
“We wish to use this medium in line with our mandate to advise citizens to use nose mask always especially in crowded places, airport premises,practising good hand hygiene, avoiding close contact with sick persons, ensuring vaccinations for other preventable respiratory diseases like influenza and COVID19.
“However, there is no known cure for HMPV. Let us observe Nigeria Centre for Disease Control protocol as directed recently.
“While the NOA will continue to create the necessary awareness in all the Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom state rural communities”, he said.
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