Says Nigeria at average danger
Directs all hospitals to reinforce an infection prevention and management practices
The Nigeria Centre for Illness Management and Prevention (NCDC) has clarified that rumours in regards to the World Well being Group (WHO) declaring the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) a Public Well being Emergency of Worldwide Concern (PHEIC) are false and must be disregarded.
In response to the company, the WHO has not made such a declaration.
In the meantime, the NCDC has issued advisories to hospitals nationwide to make sure enhanced An infection Prevention and Management (IPC) practices, together with correct hand hygiene, environmental cleansing, respiratory hygiene, and cough etiquette.
It directed all well being services to determine an applicable isolation room the place circumstances may be rapidly remoted whereas receiving care.
Current studies point out a big rise in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) circumstances in China, in addition to elevated respiratory infections linked to HMPV in international locations reminiscent of the UK (UK), France, and Germany, notably throughout the winter season. The UK Well being Safety Company (UKHSA) has highlighted a notable rise in hospital admissions resulting from HMPV-related issues, particularly amongst kids beneath 5 and older adults in care properties.
In a press release yesterday in Abuja, Director Basic Dr. Jide Idris mentioned that the rise in HMPV circumstances underscores the necessity for heightened preparedness and vigilance.
He famous that, in response to latest studies of elevated HMPV exercise in China and different affected areas, in addition to rising public curiosity within the matter, the NCDC, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Well being and Social Welfare, is intently monitoring world developments and has applied actions to make sure public well being security.
Dr Idris said {that a} dynamic danger evaluation carried out by the NCDC, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Well being, the World Well being Group (WHO), the U.S. Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (USCDC), and the UK Well being Safety Company (UKHSA), categorised the danger as average for Nigeria.
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This analysis, he defined, will information preparedness efforts, decision-making, and response methods to mitigate potential impacts.
The Director Basic defined that HMPV is a respiratory virus that may trigger sicknesses starting from gentle cold-like signs to extreme respiratory infections, notably in younger kids, older adults, and people with weakened immune techniques. He added that there’s at present no particular antiviral therapy or vaccine for HMPV.
He famous that the signs embody cough, fever, nasal congestion, shortness of breath, and wheezing.
Dr Idris famous that the NCDC, in collaboration with Port Well being Authorities, is taking proactive steps to make sure strong preparedness in any respect worldwide factors of entry (PoEs) in response to the dynamic danger evaluation of HMPV. These measures are designed to mitigate the potential danger of HMPV transmission via worldwide journey.
Key actions embody conducting a complete scenario evaluation in any respect worldwide PoEs to evaluate present readiness ranges.
He additional disclosed that an Entry Implementation Protocol on HMPV, accredited by the Honourable Minister of Well being and Social Welfare, is being developed and will likely be distributed to all factors of entry to information response actions. Quarantine services are additionally being recognized and ready to handle any suspected or confirmed circumstances if required.
“An infection Prevention and Management (IPC) supplies are being deployed to PoEs to make sure adherence to hygiene and security protocols. Nigeria operates a Nationwide Influenza Sentinel Surveillance (NISS) system, comprising sentinel websites distributed throughout the six geopolitical zones of the nation. These websites, which embody tertiary and secondary well being services, monitor Influenza-like Sickness (ILI) and Extreme Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI),” he said.
“As of January 6, 2025, knowledge from this surveillance system doesn’t point out any uncommon enhance in respiratory infections, together with these attributable to Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). Nonetheless, given the worldwide developments in HMPV circumstances, the NCDC is proactively implementing measures to strengthen the nation’s preparedness and response capability.”
Dr. Idris reaffirmed the NCDC’s dedication to safeguarding the well being of Nigerians, emphasizing that Data, Training, and Communication (IEC) supplies are being developed and distributed to lift consciousness and supply clear pointers for frontline employees and vacationers.
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He urged the general public to scale back the danger of HMPV an infection by often washing fingers with cleaning soap and water for at the very least 20 seconds, protecting their mouths and noses with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing, amongst different measures.
Dr. Idris additionally referred to as on healthcare staff to make use of applicable Private Protecting Tools (PPE) when attending to sufferers with respiratory signs, present symptomatic care, and promptly refer extreme circumstances to specialist services.
“The Nationwide Influenza Sentinel Surveillance (NISS) websites throughout the six geopolitical zones monitor Influenza-like Sickness (ILI) and Extreme Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI). This platform, which is already testing for COVID-19, will now additionally begin testing for HMPV. Provisions will likely be made to extend the variety of assessments carried out. Moreover, laboratories in states with worldwide airports will likely be supported to allow them to check for HMPV,” he added.
Dr. Idris identified that the NCDC is collaborating with state governments and healthcare services to offer coaching for healthcare staff, making certain sufficient case administration groups are in place and able to reply if wanted.
“It will be sure that healthcare staff can present applicable care and preserve a excessive index of suspicion. Supportive care and a excessive degree of vigilance are essential. We’re requesting state governments to activate their therapy or isolation centres to handle circumstances appropriately.”
He concluded by stating that important supplies reminiscent of PPEs (face masks, gloves, and hand hygiene provides) and different IPC objects have been stockpiled for fast deployment if required, together with laboratory consumables, reagents, and different essential provides.
