The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has classified the country’s risk level for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) as “moderate.”
In a public health advisory, the agency noted that the Federal Government is actively monitoring the outbreak and implementing measures to enhance preparedness and response capabilities.
The NCDC stated that a comprehensive risk assessment was conducted in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and key partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Centers 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 issued late Monday 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.”
No Such Declaration
The NCDC outlined several key steps it is taking to prepare for the potential risk of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), including conducting a thorough situation analysis at all international points of entry (PoEs) to evaluate current readiness levels.
Addressing circulating claims that the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared HMPV a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), the agency dismissed these reports as “false and should be disregarded.”
“The WHO has not made such a declaration. Recent reports indicate a significant rise in Human Metapneumovirus (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 advisory partly read.
“The UK Health Security Agency (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.”