The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has assured Nigerians that the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) does not currently pose a significant threat to the country.
The New Daily Prime earlier reported about the HMPV, the virus outbreaks which has raised global concerns in some regions.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Thursday, NCDC Director-General Jide Idris stated that there is no need for alarm.
He added that HMPV is not a new virus but just not widely known, saying “Over the years, it has been linked to respiratory infections, particularly among children and the elderly.”
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Idris noted that HMPV is similar to other respiratory viruses, such as the flu and influenza, which are common causes of respiratory illnesses.
Idris emphasised that the NCDC is closely monitoring the global situation and remains on high alert, with no reported cases of HMPV in Nigeria.
“We are in a monitoring and alert phase, and that’s why again we take instructions from WHO globally because every country is supposed to report cases like this, any case; any problem to WHO – those things that they consider might become global problems later so that they can alert every other country to get prepared,” he said.
Drawing from Nigeria’s experiences with past outbreaks like Ebola and COVID-19, Idris noted that the country has developed robust public health infrastructure and capabilities.
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He said Nigeria has learned valuable lessons from those incidents and put measures in place to ensure they respond effectively to emerging threats, noting that the focus is on preparation, not panic.
As precautionary measures, the NCDC advises Nigerians to avoid overcrowded areas, practice regular handwashing, and follow general hygiene protocols to reduce the risk of infection.
