Reacting to recent reports on the rise in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) activity in China and other affected regions like the United Kingdom (UK), France, and Germany, which has led to increased public interest, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) in collaboration with the country’s Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has assured of its commitment to safeguarding the health of Nigerians.
Lately, it’s been rumoured that the World Health Organization (WHO) declared HMPV a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). However, debunking such claims, the NCDC said it is false and should be disregarded.
In a statement released last Sunday, the NCDC promised to update the public accurately on information and guidance to keep Nigerians informed, as it closely monitors global developments.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) acknowledged the 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”, the NCDC said in the statement.
According to the disease control body, Nigeria operates a National Influenza Sentinel Surveillance (NISS) system that comprises sentinel sites distributed across the six geopolitical zones of the country. The sites include tertiary and secondary health facilities and will monitor Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI).
In addition, it said as of January 6, 2025, data from this surveillance system does not indicate any unusual increase in respiratory infections, including those caused by Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). “However, given the global trends in HMPV cases, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) is proactively implementing measures to strengthen the country’s preparedness and response capacity”, it stated.
The NCDC said it has implemented the following measures to ensure public health safety and they include Dynamic Risk Assessment, Public Health Advisory, Point of Entry (POE), Enhanced Surveillance and Laboratory Diagnosis, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), Case Management Preparedness, and Stockpiling of Medical Countermeasures.
Human Metapneumovirus (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 system.
There is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for HMPV. Supportive care, such as rest, hydration, and fever management, remains the primary approach to recovery. The symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion, shortness of breath, wheezing, and bronchitis or pneumonia.