NCDC Gives Nigeria Update On HMPV

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reassured the public that the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is not a new virus, although it may not be widely known.

NCDC Director-General, Jide Idris, clarified that HMPV does not currently pose a serious threat to Nigeria and emphasized that there is no cause for alarm.

During an appearance on Channels Television’s ‘Sunrise Daily’, the NCDC boss explained that HMPV has been around for years, though it has not been well recognized. “Let me say, there’s no serious threat for now. This virus is not new, it’s just not well-known. It has been implicated in many respiratory infections, particularly in children and the elderly,” he said. He compared it to common flu viruses, noting that it is simply another cause of respiratory issues.

Idris assured Nigerians that the country is closely monitoring the situation, working with the World Health Organization (WHO) to track any developments. He stated, “Nigeria is on high alert and we are monitoring the situation. As of now, there has been no case of HMPV recorded in the country.”

The NCDC boss also highlighted Nigeria’s preparedness against the HMPV, citing past experiences with Ebola and COVID-19. “We’ve experienced some major problems, like Ebola and COVID-19. From those experiences, we developed better public health infrastructures. These preparations ensure we are ready for any potential threats,” he explained.

To prevent the spread of HMPV, the NCDC boss recommended avoiding crowded places, washing hands regularly, and following other hygiene practices. He emphasized that these measures would help mitigate the risks of the virus.
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