The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has allayed fears in some quarters of possible imminent transmission of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) into Nigeria, saying there is no cause for alarm as it was closely monitoring the development.
NCDC assured that it would provide timely, accurate information and guidance to keep the Nigerian public informed and prepared.
This is as the agency described the rumour that the World Health Organization, WHO, declared the disease a public health emergency of international concern as false, urging Nigerians to disregard it.
Human Metapneumovirus, HMPV, is a respiratory virus that can cause illnesses ranging from mild cold-like symptoms to severe respiratory infections.
NCDC Director General, Dr Jide Idris, in a public health advisory on Monday evening, in response to recent reports of increased HMPV activity in China and other affected regions, as well as growing public interest in the matter, emphasized the agency’s commitment in safeguarding the health of all Nigerians.
“The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention,NCDC,is committed to safeguarding the health of all Nigerians. In response to recent reports of increased Human Metapneumovirus, HMPV, activity in China and other affected regions, as well as growing public interest in the matter, the NCDC in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is closely monitoring global developments.
“We aim to provide timely, accurate information and guidance to keep the Nigerian public informed and prepared,” it said.
Giving a global situation update, the agency insisted that contrary to rumour in some quarters, WHO has not made any declaration that the disease is a public health emergency of international concern.
“It is important to note that the rumor circulating about the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring HMPV a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) is false and should be disregarded.
“The WHO has not made such a declaration. Recent reports indicate a significant rise in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in China, as well as increased respiratory infections linked to HMPV in countries such as the United Kingdom (UK), France, and Germany, particularly during the winter season.
“The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has highlighted a notable rise in hospital admissions due to HMPV-related complications, especially among children under five and older adults in care homes. This trend emphasizes the need for heightened preparedness and vigilance, “it explained.
On the current situation in the country, NCDC explained that “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 Illness (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.”
Commenting further on the preparedness measures it has put in place, the agency emphasised that while it is closely monitoring the situation, it has implemented seven major actions to ensure public health safety.
These, according to agency, are dynamic risk assessment; public health advisory; point of entry;enhanced surveillance and laboratory diagnosis and infection prevention and control.
