Nigeria Centre for Illness Management and Prevention (NCDC) has mentioned that Nigeria was at average threat of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV).
NCDC disclosed this in a press release in response to elevated HMPV exercise reported in China, the UK, France, and Germany, notably throughout the winter season.
HMPV is a respiratory virus inflicting diseases starting from gentle cold-like signs to extreme respiratory infections, notably in younger youngsters, older adults, and people with weakened immune techniques.
In the meantime, opposite to rumours in circulation, the NCDC has mentioned that the World Well being Organisation (WHO) has not declared HMPV a Public Well being Emergency of Worldwide Concern (PHEIC).
Director-general of NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, mentioned the centre, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Well being and Social Welfare, was actively monitoring the scenario and implementing measures to make sure public well being security.
“On January 6, 2025, the NCDC, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Well being and companions performed a dynamic threat evaluation for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). The evaluation labeled the danger of HMPV for Nigeria as average. This analysis will inform and information preparedness efforts, decision-making, and response methods to mitigate potential impacts,” he mentioned.
Dr. Idris mentioned information from the Nationwide Influenza Sentinel Surveillance (NISS) system confirmed no uncommon improve in respiratory infections, together with HMPV.
“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).
“As of January 6, 2025, information from this surveillance system doesn’t point out any uncommon improve in respiratory infections, together with these brought on by Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV),” he added.
Nevertheless, he mentioned the NCDC was taking proactive steps to strengthen the nation’s preparedness and response capability.
On the Level of Entry (PoE), Dr. Idris mentioned complete readiness assessments and an Entry Implementation Protocol on HMPV had been being developed. Quarantine services and IPC supplies had been being deployed to worldwide factors of entry, he added.
On surveillance and laboratory prognosis, he mentioned NISS websites will now check for HMPV along with COVID-19, with elevated testing capability in laboratories at worldwide airports.
Hospitals have been suggested on enhanced IPC practices, together with correct hand hygiene and the institution of isolation rooms, the DG said.
The NCDC suggested the general public to follow good hand hygiene, cowl mouth and nostril when coughing or sneezing, keep away from shut contact with symptomatic people, disinfect surfaces often, search medical consideration for extreme signs, particularly in susceptible teams.
Healthcare staff have additionally been suggested to bolster IPC measures, improve surveillance for respiratory infections, and use acceptable PPE when attending to sufferers.
