Strengthening Public Health Response Amid Global Surge In HMPV Cases

As global health challenges persist, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) said it is taking proactive steps to safeguard the nation against emerging threats.

The Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus that has recently seen a surge in cases in countries like China, the UK, France, and Germany has raised concerns on Nigeria.

Although Nigeria has not experienced a significant rise in HMPV cases, the NCDC has assessed the risk as moderate and is implementing comprehensive measures to protect public health.

Human Metapneumovirus is not a new virus, but its recent resurgence in certain parts of the world, particularly during the winter season, has brought it back into focus. The UK Health Security Agency has reported increased hospital admissions, especially among children under five and older adults in care homes. These developments have highlighted the virus‘s potential impact and the need for global vigilance.

However, contrary to rumors, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has not declared HMPV a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The NCDC has dispel these rumors, emphasising the importance of relying on accurate information.

In response to the global trends, the NCDC, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and other international partners, has implemented several measures to ensure the country‘s readiness.

The director-general of NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, said the Dynamic Risk Assessment conducted on January 6, 2025, classified the HMPV risk for Nigeria as moderate. This evaluation helps inform and guide the country’s preparedness efforts, he said.

According to him, international airports and other points of entry were undergoing readiness assessments, adding that an HMPV Entry Implementation Protocol is being developed to guide response activities, and quarantine facilities are being prepared for any suspected cases.

Dr. Jide also said that the National Influenza Sentinel Surveillance (NISS) system, which monitors Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI), is now also testing for HMPV. This expansion ensures that any potential cases can be promptly identified and managed.

He said hospitals nationwide have been advised on enhanced IPC practices, including proper hand hygiene and environmental cleaning, adding that Isolation rooms are being prepared to manage any potential cases effectively.

Training for healthcare workers is underway to ensure they are equipped to manage HMPV cases. State governments are also being urged to activate treatment centers, Dr. Jide stated, noting that

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other essential medical supplies have been stockpiled for rapid deployment if necessary.

“The NCDC, in collaboration with Port Health Authorities, is taking proactive steps to ensure robust preparedness at all international points of entry (PoEs) in response to the dynamic risk assessment for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). These measures are designed to mitigate the potential risk of HMPV transmission through international travel,“ Dr. Jide said.

According to the NCDC, HMPV can lead to a variety of symptoms, including cough, fever, nasal congestion, shortness of breath, and wheezing. In severe cases, particularly among vulnerable populations, the virus may cause bronchitis or pneumonia.

“The incubation period for HMPV is typically three to five days post-exposure, with most infections resolving within  two to five days through supportive care such as rest, hydration, and fever management. However, complications may arise for high-risk groups, necessitating increased vigilance and prompt medical attention,“ the centre explained.

It further explained that the virus spreads primarily through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing, close personal contact such as touching or shaking hands, and contact with contaminated surfaces followed by touching the face. Overcrowded and poorly ventilated areas, such as correctional facilities and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, are particularly susceptible to higher transmission rates.

NCDC, has therefore,  urged  the public to adopt preventive measures, including maintaining good hand hygiene, practicing respiratory etiquette, avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals, and ensuring well-ventilated living spaces. It also emphasised the importance of seeking medical attention if symptoms develop, especially for those in high-risk groups.

While there is currently no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for HMPV, supportive care remains the cornerstone of managing the infection.