The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has said that the risk assessment conducted for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and partners classified the risk of HMPV for Nigeria as moderate.
The NCDC, who made this known in a public advisory by its Director General, Dr Jide Idris, on Monday, noted that it is closely monitoring the situation and has implemented actions to ensure public health safety.
It also clarified that the World Health Organisation (WHO) had not declared HMPV a Public Health Emergency of International Concerns.
It said, “On 6 January 2025, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and partners such as the WHO, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the UK Health Security Agency, conducted a dynamic risk assessment for Human Metapneumovirus. 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”.
HMPV is a respiratory virus that can cause illnesses ranging from mild cold-like symptoms to severe respiratory infections, particularly in young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
There is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for HMPV. Supportive care, such as rest, hydration, and fever management, remains the primary approach to recovery.
Symptoms of the virus include cough, fever, nasal congestion, shortness of breath, wheezing, bronchitis or pneumonia (in vulnerable populations such as very young children, older people, patients with low immunity and those on cancer treatment, uncontrolled diabetes, etc).
The statement noted that the agency, in collaboration with Port Health Authorities, is taking proactive steps to ensure robust preparedness at all international points of entry (PoE) in response to the dynamic risk assessment for HMPV, as the measures are designed to mitigate the potential risk of HMPV transmission through international travel.
It emphasised that it is conducting a comprehensive situation analysis at all international PoEs to assess current readiness levels.
“An Entry Implementation Protocol on HMPV, approved by the Honourable Minister of Health and Social Welfare, is being developed and will be distributed to all points of entry to guide response activities.
“In addition, quarantine facilities are being identified and prepared to manage any suspected or confirmed cases if required. Infection Prevention and Control materials are being deployed to PoEs to ensure adherence to hygiene and safety protocols.
Information, Education, and Communication materials are being developed and distributed to raise awareness and provide clear guidelines for frontline staff and travellers at PoEs. Enhanced Surveillance and Laboratory”, it stated.
It highlighted that the National Influenza Sentinel Surveillance sites across the six geopolitical zones monitor Influenza-like illness and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections, which is already testing for COVID-19, will also start testing for HMPV, and provisions will be made to increase the number of tests conducted.
It added that laboratories in states with international airports will be supported to enable them to test for HMPV.
The agency further said advisories have been issued to hospitals nationwide on enhanced IPC practices, including proper hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, respiratory hygiene, and cough etiquette, and all health facilities are required to identify an appropriate isolation room where cases can be quickly isolated while receiving care.
On case management preparedness, it stated that it is 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, as this will ensure that healthcare workers are able to provide appropriate care and maintain a high index of suspicion, and supportive care and an emphasis on a high index of suspicion is crucial.
It added, “We are requesting state governments to activate their treatment centres or isolation centres to ensure they are prepared to manage cases appropriately.
“Relevant materials such as PPEs (face masks, hand gloves, hand hygiene supplies, and other essential IPC items) have been stockpiled for rapid deployment if required. Additionally, laboratory consumables, reagents, and other necessary supplies have also been stockpiled to ensure readiness.
“(We are) engaging with the public through clear and accurate messages to address concerns, dispel misinformation, and encourage appropriate health-seeking behaviours. We work in close collaboration with state risk communication and community engagement pillars, health educators, and other trusted voices, such as the media. These efforts reflect NCDC’s commitment to proactive coordination and response at all levels of public health”.
