• Screening of incoming passengers at borders begins
• ‘No cause for alarm yet’
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) declared yesterday that Nigeria is not at risk yet of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection.
In China, thousands of people, especially children, had been hospitalised due to the infection.
The centre, apart from its advisory, also introduced COVID-19-like protocols at the airports and borders.
It listed the measures taken as comprehensive situation analysis at Points of Entry (PoEs); development of an HMPV Entry Implementation Protocol as approved by the Health Minister Prof. Ali Pate and the identification of quarantine facilities for managing suspected or confirmed cases.
NCDC Director-General (DG) Jide Idris said that following the dynamic risk assessment, the agency, in collaboration with others, is strengthening its preparedness at the PoEs, among other steps, to mitigate the potential transmission of HMPV through international travel.
“The key actions taken, he said, include a comprehensive situation analysis at PoEs, the development of an HMPV Entry Implementation Protocol approved by the Minister of Health and the identification of quarantine facilities for managing suspected or confirmed cases.”
He also said Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) materials and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) resources are being deployed to frontline staff and travelers.
Idris added that surveillance has been enhanced with the National Influenza Sentinel Surveillance (NISS) sites monitoring Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI), now including testing for HMPV.
In addition to laboratories in states with international airports being equipped to facilitate the testing, the Director General said hospitals nationwide have received advisories on IPC practices, while healthcare workers are being trained for case management preparedness.
He also spoke about stockpiles of personal protective equipment, laboratory reagents and essential supplies for deployment.
Through risk communication and community engagement, Idris said NCDC has continued to ensure clear public messaging, dispelling misinformation, and encouraging appropriate health-seeking behavior, underscoring its commitment to proactive health security.
In the health advisory, he emphasized that HMPV spreads through respiratory droplets, close contact, and touching contaminated surfaces, all of which should be avoided.
Idris noted that overcrowding and poor ventilation, particularly in settings like Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps or correctional facilities, significantly increase the risk of transmission.
To reduce the risk of infection, he urged the members of the public to wash hands frequently with soap and water, cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and wear a mask if symptomatic.
He also advised that crowded spaces should be avoided, maintain distance from sick individuals, disinfect frequently touched surfaces, and self-isolate if unwell while seeking prompt medical care.
Healthcare workers were also urged to enforce infection prevention measures, use PPE, enhance surveillance, report unusual infection spikes, and educate patients on preventive steps and emergency care.
Young children, older adults, and immune compromised individuals were also urged to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms worsen.
The NCDC assurance came on a day that a one-time Chief Scientist of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Soumya Swarminathan, dismissed the virus as nothing to panic about.
He, however, urged people to take normal precautions that are taken for symptoms of cold, including mask wearing and constant washing of hands.
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 weaker immune systems.
Idris assured that, the agency, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, is closely monitoring global developments.
Idris said: “On January 6, 2025, NCDC, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (USCDC), and the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA), conducted a dynamic risk assessment for HMPV.
“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 DG, however, denied reports that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the virus a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
Notwithstanding, he said the agency is proactive about the issue, adding: “It is important to note that the rumor circulating about the WHO declaring HMPV a PHEIC is false and should be disregarded.
“The WHO has not made such a declaration. 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 UK, France, and Germany, particularly during the winter season.
“The UKHSA has highlighted a notable rise in hospital admissions due to HMPV-related complications, especially among children under five and older adults in care homes.
“This trend emphasizes the need for heightened preparedness and vigilance.”
Speaking about the situation in Nigeria, Idris noted that Nigeria operates a National Influenza Sentinel Surveillance (NISS) system, comprising sentinel sites distributed across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
He said the sites, which include tertiary and secondary health facilities, monitor Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI).
Idris said: “As of January 6 (yesterday), data from this surveillance system does not indicate any unusual increase in respiratory infections, including those caused by HMPV.
“However, given the global trends in HMPV cases, NCDC is proactively implementing measures to strengthen the country’s preparedness and response capacity.
“The agency is closely monitoring the situation and has implemented the following actions to ensure public health safety.”
The Director of Public Health at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Chukwuma Anyaike, told The Nation that there was no cause for alarm, as the Ministry, in collaboration with NCDC and other critical stakeholders, is fully prepared for health emergencies.
He said the nation’s laboratories have been strengthened, and surveillance and monitoring have been intensified at all entry ports across the country.
Emphasizing that the government fully understands the consequences of complacency, he said: “The government is reinforcing its health security measures at all entry points to ensure robust surveillance and preparedness against potential health, threats.
“A multi-agency approach, involving the Port Health Services, the NCDC and the Department of Public Health, to monitor and screen every individual entering the country has been adopted.
“What we need to do is enhance surveillance by establishing a strong mechanism at all ports of entry, including international airports, land borders, and seaports.
“Thermal cameras are already operational, and every traveler is screened for symptoms such as fever, runny nose, or cold. This is part of an ongoing effort to ensure prompt detection and response.”
Anyaike also emphasised that awareness campaigns would be prioritised to educate citizens on the importance of personal hygiene and preventive practices.
“Awareness materials will be disseminated shortly, encouraging people to step up hygiene practices, such as frequent hand washing and adhering to respiratory etiquette.
“To bolster our preparedness, laboratories have been strengthened to ensure swift and accurate testing of any samples, should the need arise. Health workers in hospitals have also been briefed to scrutinise cases closely and flag any potential concerns.”
Reassuring the public, the director maintained that there was no cause for alarm at this time.
He added: “This is not an emergency situation, and we have no confirmed cases in the country.
“However, we are taking proactive measures to ensure that our systems remain vigilant and ready. Border services are on high alert as the government continues to prioritize health security as a critical agenda.”
