WATCH THE VIDEO HERE The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) says the country is at “moderate” risk for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a virus that leads to an upper respiratory tract infection with symptoms like cough, fever, and nasal congestion. In a public health advisory, the Nigerian health agency said the federal government is closely monitoring the outbreak of the virus and is taking safety measures to “strengthen the country’s preparedness and response capacity”. Recent reports indicate a significant rise in 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 NCDC said it conducted a risk assessment for the HMPV in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (USCDC), and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). “The assessment classified the risk of HMPV for Nigeria as moderate. This evaluation will inform and guide preparedness efforts, decision-making, and response strategies to mitigate potential impacts,” the advisory said. It said the NCDC is working to give Nigerians “timely, accurate information and guidance to keep the Nigerian public informed and prepared”. NCDC noted that it “in collaboration with Port Health Authorities, is taking proactive steps to ensure robust preparedness at all international points of entry (PoEs) in response to the dynamic risk assessment for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). “These measures are designed to mitigate the potential risk of HMPV transmission through international travel.” HMPV was first identified in the Netherlands in 2001 and the virus spreads through direct contact between people or when someone touches surfaces contaminated with it. Children under two are most vulnerable to the virus alongside those with weakened immune systems such as the elderly and those with advanced cancer, according to medical experts. There have also been worries that this could be like COVID-19, but experts have eased the fear as they are not similar because pandemics are typically caused by novel pathogens, which is not the case for HMPV.
NCDC Monitors HMPV Situation, Affirms Nigeria at Moderate Risk
