As international well being challenges persist, the Nigeria Centre for Illness Management and Prevention (NCDC) mentioned it’s taking proactive steps to safeguard the nation in opposition to rising threats.
The Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus that has not too long ago seen a surge in circumstances in international locations like China, the UK, France, and Germany has raised issues on Nigeria.
Though Nigeria has not skilled a big rise in HMPV circumstances, the NCDC has assessed the chance as average and is implementing complete measures to guard public well being.
Human Metapneumovirus just isn’t a brand new virus, however its current resurgence in sure components of the world, notably through the winter season, has introduced it again into focus. The UK Well being Safety Company has reported elevated hospital admissions, particularly amongst youngsters beneath 5 and older adults in care houses. These developments have highlighted the virus‘s potential affect and the necessity for international vigilance.
Nonetheless, opposite to rumors, the World Well being Organisation (WHO) has not declared HMPV a Public Well being Emergency of Worldwide Concern (PHEIC). The NCDC has dispel these rumors, emphasising the significance of counting on correct info.
In response to the worldwide developments, the NCDC, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Well being and different worldwide companions, has applied a number of measures to make sure the nation‘s readiness.
The director-general of NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, mentioned the Dynamic Threat Evaluation performed on January 6, 2025, categorised the HMPV threat for Nigeria as average. This analysis helps inform and information the nation’s preparedness efforts, he mentioned.
Based on him, worldwide airports and different factors of entry have been present process readiness assessments, including that an HMPV Entry Implementation Protocol is being developed to information response actions, and quarantine services are being ready for any suspected circumstances.
Dr. Jide additionally mentioned that the Nationwide Influenza Sentinel Surveillance (NISS) system, which displays Influenza-like Sickness (ILI) and Extreme Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI), is now additionally testing for HMPV. This enlargement ensures that any potential circumstances may be promptly recognized and managed.
He mentioned hospitals nationwide have been suggested on enhanced IPC practices, together with correct hand hygiene and environmental cleansing, including that Isolation rooms are being ready to handle any potential circumstances successfully.
Coaching for healthcare staff is underway to make sure they’re geared up to handle HMPV circumstances. State governments are additionally being urged to activate remedy facilities, Dr. Jide said, noting that
Private Protecting Tools (PPE) and different important medical provides have been stockpiled for speedy deployment if needed.
“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 threat evaluation for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). These measures are designed to mitigate the potential threat of HMPV transmission by way of worldwide journey,“ Dr. Jide mentioned.
Based on the NCDC, HMPV can result in quite a lot of signs, together with cough, fever, nasal congestion, shortness of breath, and wheezing. In extreme circumstances, notably amongst susceptible populations, the virus could trigger bronchitis or pneumonia.
“The incubation interval for HMPV is usually three to 5 days post-exposure, with most infections resolving inside two to 5 days by way of supportive care resembling relaxation, hydration, and fever administration. Nonetheless, problems could come up for high-risk teams, necessitating elevated vigilance and immediate medical consideration,“ the centre defined.
It additional defined that the virus spreads primarily by way of respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing, shut private contact resembling touching or shaking palms, and call with contaminated surfaces adopted by touching the face. Overcrowded and poorly ventilated areas, resembling correctional services and internally displaced individuals (IDP) camps, are notably inclined to larger transmission charges.
NCDC, has due to this fact, urged the general public to undertake preventive measures, together with sustaining good hand hygiene, training respiratory etiquette, avoiding shut contact with symptomatic people, and making certain well-ventilated dwelling areas. It additionally emphasised the significance of searching for medical consideration if signs develop, particularly for these in high-risk teams.
Whereas there may be presently no particular antiviral remedy or vaccine for HMPV, supportive care stays the cornerstone of managing the an infection.
