Health
HMPV: ‘No Serious Threat For Now,’ NCDC Assures Nigerians
The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reassures the public that there is currently no serious threat from the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), despite global concerns.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) states that the country is not currently facing a “serious threat” from the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV).
Although concerns have arisen regarding the virus outbreak in certain regions globally, the NCDC has reassured Nigerians that there is no cause for alarm and that the country remains safe.
“There is currently no significant threat. First, let me clarify that this HMPV virus isn’t new; it’s simply not widely recognized,” said Jide Idris, the NCDC Director-General, during Thursday’s edition of Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily. “It has been linked to numerous respiratory infections over time and across various countries, particularly affecting children and the elderly.”
Similar to the common flu, older viruses such as influenza and other respiratory viruses are among the causes of respiratory problems.
The head of the NCDC stated that the country is closely monitoring the situation and remains on high alert, with no cases reported in Nigeria so far.
He stated on the breakfast show, “We are currently in a phase of monitoring and alert. This is why we follow instructions from WHO globally—every country must report cases or issues like these to them. Such information helps identify potential global problems early on so that other countries can be alerted and prepared.”
That’s exactly what we’re implementing in Nigeria. We’ve faced significant challenges, such as Ebola and COVID-19. Through these experiences, we’ve developed certain capabilities and learned valuable lessons, allowing us to establish essential infrastructures. We now have public health systems in place—provisions that are crucial for anticipating situations like this so we don’t end up scrambling when they occur.
The Director-General of the NCDC mentioned avoiding crowded areas, washing hands, among other measures to protect against HMPV.
