The Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Dr. Jide Idris, has assured Nigerians that the country is not under significant threat from the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV).
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Thursday, Dr. Idris stated:
“Let me say there’s no serious threat for now. That’s one. Two, this HMPV virus is not a new virus. It’s just that it’s not well-known. But it’s been implicated in many respiratory infections over the years across countries, especially in children and elderly people. Just like the normal flu, older viruses, or influenza, this respiratory virus is just one of those causes of respiratory problems.”
HMPV is a respiratory virus that causes illnesses ranging from mild cold-like symptoms to severe respiratory infections, particularly in young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion, shortness of breath, wheezing, bronchitis, or even pneumonia in vulnerable populations.
There is currently no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for HMPV. Recovery typically involves supportive care, such as rest, hydration, and fever management.
The virus spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing, close personal contact, and touching contaminated surfaces. Overcrowding and poor ventilation, especially in settings like correctional centres or poorly managed internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, can exacerbate transmission.
Dr. Idris highlighted that the NCDC is in a monitoring and alert phase, following guidance from the World Health Organisation (WHO). He added that the centre remains proactive in assessing and mitigating potential risks.
Earlier this week, the NCDC announced that a risk assessment conducted in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and other stakeholders classified the threat level of HMPV in Nigeria as moderate.
In a public advisory issued on Monday, Dr. Idris reassured Nigerians that the NCDC is closely monitoring the situation and has implemented measures to safeguard public health.
