The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has assured the public that the country is not currently at serious risk from the Human Metapneumo Virus (HMPV), a respiratory virus reported in some parts of the world.
NCDC Director-General Jide Idris stated that no cases have been reported in Nigeria, but the country remains on high alert and is closely monitoring the situation.
“We are in a monitoring and alert phase,” Idris said. “We take instructions from the World Health Organisation (WHO), which alerts countries to potential global health threats. In Nigeria, we’ve put public health infrastructures in place, learning from past challenges like Ebola and COVID-19.”
Idris emphasised that while HMPV is not a new virus, it is less well-known but has been linked to respiratory infections, particularly among children and the elderly.
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“Let me say, there’s no serious threat for now,” he reiterated. “HMPV is similar to influenza and other respiratory viruses. It is one of several causes of respiratory problems.”
The NCDC advised the public to adhere to preventive measures such as avoiding crowded places, maintaining good hygiene, and washing hands regularly.
Idris assured Nigerians that the health authorities are prepared to respond promptly if any cases arise, urging calm and vigilance.
