Nigeria Faces Moderate Risk from Human Metapneumovirus, NCDC Warns
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has announced that the country is at moderate risk of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), following reports of increased activity in several countries, including China, the UK, France, and Germany, particularly during the winter months.
HMPV is a respiratory virus that can cause symptoms ranging from mild cold-like issues to severe respiratory infections, particularly among young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Addressing concerns, the NCDC clarified that, contrary to circulating rumors, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has not declared HMPV a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, explained that the Centre, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, is closely monitoring the situation and taking proactive measures to safeguard public health.
“On January 6, 2025, the NCDC, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and other stakeholders, conducted an updated risk assessment for HMPV. This assessment classified Nigeria’s risk level as moderate, and the results will guide our preparedness efforts, decision-making, and response strategies,” he said.
Dr. Idris also reassured the public that data from the National Influenza Sentinel Surveillance (NISS) system showed no significant increase in respiratory infections, including those caused by HMPV.
“Our National Influenza Sentinel Surveillance system, which includes sites across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, continues to monitor Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) in both tertiary and secondary health facilities. As of January 6, 2025, we have not observed any unusual rise in respiratory infections, including HMPV,” he said.
Despite the moderate risk, the NCDC is enhancing the country’s preparedness and response. At Points of Entry (PoE), readiness assessments and implementation protocols for HMPV are being developed. Quarantine facilities and infection prevention and control (IPC) materials are being distributed to international entry points.
On surveillance and laboratory testing, NISS sites will begin testing for HMPV in addition to COVID-19, with labs at international airports being equipped to handle increased testing capacity.
Hospitals have been advised to reinforce IPC measures, including improved hand hygiene and the establishment of isolation rooms for affected patients, according to Dr. Idris.
The NCDC also recommended that the public practice good hygiene by regularly washing hands, covering their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals, disinfecting surfaces regularly, and seeking medical attention for severe symptoms, especially among vulnerable populations.
Healthcare workers have been reminded to reinforce IPC practices, enhance surveillance for respiratory infections, and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when treating patients.
