The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has assured Nigerians that there is no immediate risk of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) transmission in the country, stating that it is closely monitoring the situation.
The NCDC promised to provide accurate and timely updates to ensure the public remains informed and prepared.
Addressing concerns about reports that the World Health Organization (WHO) declared HMPV a public health emergency of international concern, the agency labeled the claims as false and urged Nigerians to disregard them.
Planet Pulse Nigeria understands that the HMPV is a respiratory virus that can cause anything from mild cold symptoms to severe respiratory infections.
In a public health advisory issued on Monday evening, NCDC Director General, Dr. Jide Idris, responded to reports of rising HMPV cases in China and other affected areas. He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting Nigerians’ health.
“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.”
The agency highlighted that it has taken seven key steps to safeguard public health while actively monitoring the situation.
These measures include conducting dynamic risk assessments, issuing public health advisories, strengthening points of entry, enhancing surveillance, improving laboratory diagnostics, and implementing infection prevention and control strategies.
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