From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control says the risk of the Human Metapneumo Virus in the country is moderate.
HMPV, which was first reported in 2001 in the Netherlands, is a single-stranded ribonucleic acid virus that causes symptoms similar to the common cold and influenza including cough, fever, nasal congestion, and fatigue, with an incubation period of three to six days.
China is currently experiencing an outbreak of the virus, sparking global concern. India has also reported at least two cases of the virus.
In an advisory statement issued late Monday, NCDC Director General, Dr. Jide Idris, said that as of January 6, 2025, data from the surveillance system does not indicate any unusual increase in respiratory infections including those caused by HMPV.
He disclosed that the agency, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, is closely monitoring global developments and has implemented actions to ensure public health safety which includes dynamic risk assessment for the HMPV which was recently done in collaboration with WHO, USCDC, and UKHSA, among others.
He confirmed that the assessment had classified the risk of HMPV for Nigeria as moderate, adding that the evaluation will inform and guide preparedness efforts, decision-making, and response strategies to mitigate potential impacts.
He said, “We have issued a public health advisory to Nigerians with up-to-date information on preparedness actions and preventive measures. Also, we are working with Port Health Authorities to ensure robust preparedness at all international Points of Entry (PoEs).
“Advisories have been issued to hospitals nationwide on enhanced Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practices which include 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.
“We have strengthened collaboration with state governments and healthcare facilities on case management preparedness. Similarly, relevant materials such as Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), notably, facemasks, 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.”
According to the NCDC, 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.
It confirmed that there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for HMPV at the moment, but supportive care such as rest, hydration, and fever management, remains the primary approach to recovery.
The centre listed the symptoms to 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.
It stated that the incubation period is 3-5 days after exposure, and infections typically resolve within 2-5 days with supportive care, but high-risk populations may experience complications.
On the mode of transmission, it was confirmed that HMPV spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing, close personal contact.
The NCDC, however, restated that it’s dedicated to protecting the health of Nigerians through continuous surveillance and prompt response to infectious diseases, and urged the public to adhere to the outlined preventive measures and to seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms consistent with HMPV infection.
