Nigeria At Moderate Risk Of Human Metapneumovirus — NCDC

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has said that Nigeria was at moderate risk of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV).

NCDC disclosed this in a statement in response to increased HMPV activity reported in China, the UK, France, and Germany, particularly during the winter season.

HMPV is a respiratory virus causing illnesses ranging from mild cold-like symptoms to severe respiratory infections, particularly in young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Meanwhile, contrary to rumours in circulation, the NCDC has said that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has not declared HMPV a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

Director-general of NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, said the centre, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, was actively monitoring the situation and implementing measures to ensure public health safety.

“On January 6, 2025, the NCDC, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and partners conducted a dynamic risk assessment for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). The assessment classified the risk of HMPV for Nigeria as moderate. This evaluation will inform and guide preparedness efforts, decision-making, and response strategies to mitigate potential impacts,” he said.

Dr. Idris said data from the National Influenza Sentinel Surveillance (NISS) system showed no unusual increase in respiratory infections, including HMPV.

“Nigeria operates a National Influenza Sentinel Surveillance (NISS) system, comprising sentinel sites distributed across the six geopolitical zones of the country. These sites, which include tertiary and secondary health facilities, monitor Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI).

“As of January 6, 2025, data from this surveillance system does not indicate any unusual increase in respiratory infections, including those caused by Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV),” he added.

However, he said the NCDC was taking proactive steps to strengthen the country’s preparedness and response capacity.

At the Point of Entry (PoE), Dr. Idris said comprehensive readiness assessments and an Entry Implementation Protocol on HMPV were being developed. Quarantine facilities and IPC materials were being deployed to international points of entry, he added.

On surveillance and laboratory diagnosis, he said NISS sites will now test for HMPV in addition to COVID-19, with increased testing capacity in laboratories at international airports.

Hospitals have been advised on enhanced IPC practices, including proper hand hygiene and the establishment of isolation rooms, the DG stated.

The NCDC advised the public to practice good hand hygiene, cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals, disinfect surfaces regularly, seek medical attention for severe symptoms, especially in vulnerable groups.

Healthcare workers have also been advised to reinforce IPC measures, enhance surveillance for respiratory infections, and use appropriate PPE when attending to patients.