NCDC, health ministry strengthen preparedness amid global Human Metapneumovirus concerns 

Dr Jide Idris, Director-General of the NCDC, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, emphasizing the agency’s readiness to address potential threats.

Addressing public concerns of Nigerians, Dr. Idris emphasized that the World Health Organization (WHO) had not declared Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

He further clarified that the National Influenza Sentinel Surveillance (NISS) system in Nigeria had not detected any unusual increase in respiratory infections locally.

While no cases of HMPV have been reported in Nigeria, the NCDC has ramped up surveillance efforts across the country. Dr. Idris confirmed that the agency has strengthened monitoring for respiratory infections, including HMPV, at sentinel sites nationwide.

He also urged healthcare providers to report any unusual spikes in respiratory illnesses and emphasized the importance of preventive measures such as regular handwashing, wearing masks in crowded spaces, and staying home when unwell.

The WHO acknowledged the rise in acute respiratory infections in China, particularly among children, as reported by China’s National Health Commission. However, the UN Health Organization has not released specific data on HMPV.

China, on the other hand, has downplayed the outbreak, describing it as less severe than in previous years and attributing the rise in infections to the winter season. Despite reassurances, concerns persist over China’s transparency, drawing comparisons to the initial handling of the COVID-19 outbreak in 2019.

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), first identified in 2001, is part of the Pneumoviridae family, which also includes respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The virus causes upper and lower respiratory infections with symptoms similar to a cold or flu, such as coughing, fever, sore throat, and, in severe cases, wheezing or difficulty breathing.

The NCDC has joined international calls for transparency and collaboration to mitigate potential health threats posed by HMPV.

As global health agencies monitor developments, the focus remains on preventive measures and vigilance to protect vulnerable populations. While HMPV is not new, its potential to cause severe illness in at-risk groups highlights the need for public health preparedness and international cooperation.