Federal Government says it has tightened the port of entry for passengers arriving from China, following a recent outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in northern China that has overwhelmed hospitals there.
To address this situation, Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, has approved the development of an “Entry Implementation Protocol on HMPV,” which would be distributed to all points of entry to guide response efforts.
In its first statement since the HMPV outbreak in China, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) confirmed it is collaborating closely with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to provide timely and accurate information to keep the Nigerian public informed and prepared for any developments.
The NCDC stated that, as of January 6, 2025, data from the National Influenza Sentinel Surveillance (NISS) system does not show any unusual increase in respiratory infections in Nigeria, including those caused by HMPV.
“Nigeria operates a National Influenza Sentinel Surveillance (NISS) system, comprising sentinel sites across the six geopolitical zones. These sites, located in tertiary and secondary health facilities, monitor Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI),” the NCDC explained.
Despite the absence of significant local HMPV activity, the NCDC is proactively enhancing the country’s preparedness and response capacity, citing global trends in HMPV cases. Recent reports have indicated a rise in HMPV infections not only in China but also in the UK, France, and Germany, particularly during the winter season.
The UK Health Security Agency has reported an increase in hospital admissions due to HMPV complications, especially among children under five and older adults in care homes.”
To counter misinformation, the NCDC has refuted rumors that the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared HMPV a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), advising the public to disregard such claims.
Key actions by the NCDC to ensure public health safety include:
- Dynamic Risk Assessment: Conducted on January 6, 2025, which categorized Nigeria’s risk as moderate.
- Quarantine preparedness: identifying and preparing facilities to manage suspected or confirmed cases if needed.
- Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Measures: Deploying IPC materials to points of entry to enforce hygiene and safety protocols.
- Enhanced Surveillance and Laboratory Diagnosis: strengthening the NISS sites to monitor ILI and SARI and expanding HMPV testing capacities, especially in states with international airports.
The NCDC has also begun integrating HMPV testing into its existing surveillance platform for respiratory illnesses, ensuring readiness to detect and manage potential cases.
HMPV is a respiratory virus that causes symptoms such as fever, cough, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. It spreads through coughing, sneezing, personal contact, or touching contaminated surfaces. Severe cases can lead to wheezing, bronchitis, or pneumonia, particularly in young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
The NCDC advised the public to observe preventive measures, including frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding crowded places.
People with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, or weakened immune systems are urged to seek prompt medical attention if they experience severe symptoms.
Meanwhile, Professor Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, has assured Nigerians that Federal Government is committed to improving public health outcomes through collaborative and integrated strategies.
RN
