Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) says the country is not currently under a serious threat from the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV).
Jide Idris, NCDC Director-General, who was speaking on National TV, said the disease was not new but just that it was not widely recognized.
He explained that HMPV has been linked to many respiratory infections over the years, particularly in children and the elderly.
Idris explained that the virus is similar to the flu and other respiratory viruses, contributing to respiratory issues without posing a unique or heightened risk at present.
According to him, the NCDC is closely monitoring the situation and remains on high alert, although no HMPV cases have been reported in Nigeria.
He maintained that his organization has been taking directives from the World Health Organization (WHO), as countries are required to report potential global health threats to the WHO, enabling coordinated international preparedness.”
Reflecting on past experiences with Ebola and COVID-19, Idris highlighted the country’s improved public health infrastructure, stating that Nigeria has developed capabilities and systems to respond effectively to such threats, underscoring the country’s alertness to potential threats.
As precautionary measures, Idris advised Nigerians to avoid crowded places and maintain good hand hygiene to reduce the risk of infection.
The Federal Government said it had 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, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, approved the development of an “Entry Implementation Protocol on HMPV,” which would be distributed to all points of entry to guide response efforts.
RN
