In response to rising world considerations over Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), the Nigeria Centre for Illness Management and Prevention (NCDC) has instructed hospitals nationwide to reinforce their An infection Prevention and Management (IPC) measures.
The directive goals to safeguard public well being amid elevated HMPV exercise reported in international locations similar to China, the UK, France, and Germany.
Director-general of NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, in a press release yesterday, emphasised the necessity for hospitals to implement rigorous IPC practices which embrace correct hand hygiene, environmental cleansing, respiratory hygiene, and cough etiquette.
Additionally, all well being amenities have been requested to designate applicable isolation rooms for fast and environment friendly administration of suspected HMPV circumstances.
Regardless of the worldwide surge in HMPV circumstances, the NCDC reported no uncommon enhance in respiratory infections inside Nigeria as of January 6, 2025. Nevertheless, the DG said that the company stays vigilant, conducting dynamic danger assessments in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Well being, the World Well being Organisation (WHO), and different worldwide companions.
He mentioned that the chance of HMPV within the nation has been categorised as reasonable, prompting proactive measures to strengthen preparedness and response capability.
The NCDC can also be enhancing surveillance via its Nationwide Influenza Sentinel Surveillance (NISS) system and has prolonged testing for HMPV throughout its amenities, mentioned Dr. Jide.
In keeping with him, Key actions embrace monitoring influenza-like diseases and extreme acute respiratory infections and supporting laboratories in states with worldwide airports to check for HMPV.
To mitigate the potential unfold of HMPV, the DG mentioned that the NCDC was working with Port Well being Authorities to bolster readiness at worldwide factors of entry.
HMPV, a respiratory virus, poses a better danger to younger kids, older adults, and people with weakened immune methods. It spreads via respiratory droplets, shut private contact, and contaminated surfaces. Signs vary from delicate cold-like indicators to extreme respiratory points similar to bronchitis or pneumonia.
The NCDC has issued public advisories urging residents to apply good hand hygiene, keep respiratory etiquette, keep away from crowded locations, and search medical consideration if experiencing signs.
The company reiterated the significance of counting on verified info from official channels to forestall misinformation.
