Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), in collaboration with international partners including the World Health Organisation (WHO), has said that Nigeria is at moderate risk of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) – a common respiratory virus that can infect people of all ages.
NCDC conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the situation on Monday to guide Nigeria’s preparedness efforts and develop effective response strategies to mitigate the potential impact of HMPV in the country.
The Director-General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, who disclosed the development in a statement and public health advisory, also declared as false the report of the WHO declaring HMPV a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), stating that such reports should be disregarded.
Dr Idris, in an update of the current situation in the country, explained that all ports of entry into Nigeria have been placed on alert even as the agency is proactively implementing measures to strengthen the country’s preparedness and response capacity against the threat of the HMPV.
He stated, “Nigeria operates a National Influenza Sentinel Surveillance (NISS) system, comprising sentinel sites distributed across the six geopolitical zones of the country. These sites, which include tertiary and secondary health facilities, monitor Influenza-like Illnesses (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI).
“As of January 6, 2025, data from this surveillance system does not indicate any unusual increase in respiratory infections, including those caused by Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). However, given the global trends in HMPV cases, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) is proactively implementing measures to strengthen the country’s preparedness and response capacity.”
“On January 6, 2025, the NCDC, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (USCDC), and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), conducted a dynamic risk assessment for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV).
“The assessment classified the risk of HMPV in Nigeria as moderate. This evaluation will inform and guide preparedness efforts, decision-making, and response strategies to mitigate potential impacts.”
Idris said in response to the dynamic risk assessment, NACA is already taking proactive steps to ensure robust preparedness at all international points of entry (PoEs) with measures aimed at mitigating the potential risk of HMPV transmission through international travel.
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According to him, key steps, in addition to the issued public health advisory, to provide Nigerians with up-to-date information on preparedness actions and preventive measures related to the HPMV threat included conducting a comprehensive situation analysis at all international points of entry to assess current readiness levels.
He added“ In addition, quarantine facilities are being identified and prepared to manage any suspected or confirmed cases if required, even as Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) materials are being deployed to PoEs to ensure adherence to hygiene and safety protocols.
“The National Influenza Sentinel Surveillance (NISS) sites across the six geopolitical zones monitor Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI). This platform, which is already testing for COVID-19, will now also start testing for HMPV.
“Additionally, laboratories in states with international airports will be supported to enable them to test for HMPV.
”Advisories have been issued to hospitals nationwide on enhanced IPC practices, including proper hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, respiratory hygiene, and cough etiquette. All health facilities are required to identify an appropriate isolation room where cases can be quickly isolated while receiving care.”
”Collaborating with state governments and healthcare facilities to provide training for healthcare workers to ensure adequate case management teams are in place and ready to respond if needed. This will ensure that healthcare workers are able to provide appropriate care and maintain a high index of suspicion.
“Supportive care and an emphasis on a high index of suspicion are crucial. We are requesting state governments to activate their treatment centres or isolation centres to ensure they are prepared to manage cases appropriately.”
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