The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has assured Nigerians that the country is not under any immediate threat from the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV).
Addressing concerns about the virus, which has caused outbreaks in some parts of the world, NCDC Director-General Dr. Jide Idris explained that the situation in Nigeria remains stable.
“Let me emphasize, there’s no serious threat for now,” Idris said on Thursday. “HMPV is not a new virus. It’s just less known, but it has been associated with respiratory infections, particularly in children and the elderly, over the years.”
The NCDC chief likened HMPV to other common respiratory viruses like influenza and reassured the public that the virus is not an immediate danger in Nigeria.
“We are actively monitoring the situation. So far, there have been no reported cases in Nigeria, and we are in a preparedness phase,” he said. “We take directives from the World Health Organization (WHO), which ensures countries report potential threats to prepare globally. That’s precisely what we’re doing here.”
Dr. Idris highlighted that the country’s public health infrastructure, strengthened by previous responses to Ebola and COVID-19, is well-positioned to address any potential outbreak.
To reduce the risk of respiratory infections, including HMPV, the NCDC recommended avoiding crowded spaces, frequent handwashing, and maintaining good personal hygiene.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health and urged citizens to remain vigilant but not alarmed.
