The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a public health advisory in response to rising global concerns about Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). The move aims to boost public awareness, preparedness, and preventive measures.
HMPV, a respiratory virus that can cause anything from mild cold-like symptoms to severe infections, poses a significant risk to young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets, close contact, and contaminated surfaces, with overcrowding and poor ventilation increasing transmission risks.
Although Nigeria has not recorded a surge in HMPV-related cases, the NCDC emphasized vigilance. Its National Influenza Sentinel Surveillance (NISS) system, which monitors respiratory illnesses nationwide, is actively tracking potential anomalies.
The NCDC’s proactive measures include expanding diagnostic capabilities to incorporate HMPV testing and equipping laboratories in states with international airports to enhance nationwide detection. Strict protocols are being enforced at points of entry, alongside heightened infection prevention practices in healthcare facilities.
Director General Dr. Jide Idris assured Nigerians of the NCDC’s readiness to respond, urging the public to practice good hygiene and rely on verified information from the agency’s platforms.
