Health

NCDC Issues Public Health Advisory On Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)

There is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for HMPV.

Published

6 months ago

January 7, 2025

OCHEFA

11 Views

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued the following Public Health Advisory on Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) Awareness, Preparedness, and Prevention.

The document released by, Dr. Jide Idris, the Director – GeneralNigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, said :

” NCDC is committed to safeguarding the health of all Nigerians. In response to recent reports of increased Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) activity in China and other affected regions, as well as growing public interest in the matter, the NCDC in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is closely monitoring global developments.

We aim to provide timely, accurate information and guidance to keep the Nigerian public informed and prepared. Global situation update.

It is important to note that the rumor circulating about the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring HMPV a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) is false and should be disregarded.

The WHO has not made such a declaration. Recent reports indicate a significant rise in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in China, as well as increased respiratory infections linked to HMPV in countries such as the United Kingdom (UK), France, and Germany, particularly during the winter season.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has highlighted a notable rise in hospital admissions due to HMPV-related complications, especially among children under five and older adults in care homes.

This trend emphasizes the need for heightened preparedness and vigilance.

Current Situation in Nigeria

Nigeria operates a National Influenza Sentinel Surveillance (NISS) system, comprising sentinel sites distributed across the six geopolitical zones of the country.

These sites, which include tertiary and secondary health facilities, monitor Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI).

As of January 6, 2025, data from this surveillance system does not indicate any unusual increase in respiratory infections, including those caused by Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV).

However, given the global trends in HMPV cases, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) is proactively implementing measures to strengthen the country’s preparedness and response capacity.

NCDC Preparedness Measures

The NCDC is closely monitoring the situation and has implemented the following actions to ensure public health safety:

1. Dynamic Risk Assessment

On January 6, 2025, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (USCDC), and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), conducted a dynamic risk assessment for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV).

The assessment classified the risk of HMPV for Nigeria as moderate.

This evaluation will inform and guide preparedness efforts, decision-making, and response strategies to mitigate potential impacts.

2. Public Health Advisory:

Issued this advisory to provide Nigerians with up-to-date information on preparedness actions and preventive measures.

3. Point of Entry (POE):

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), in collaboration with Port Health Authorities, is taking proactive steps to ensure robust preparedness at all international points of entry (PoEs) in response to the dynamic risk assessment for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV).

These measures are designed to mitigate the potential risk of HMPV transmission through international travel. Key actions include

▪︎ Conducting a comprehensive situation analysis at all international PoEs to assess current readiness levels.

▪︎ An Entry Implementation Protocol on HMPV, approved by the Honourable Minister of Health and Social Welfare, is being developed and will be distributed to all points of entry to guide response activities.

▪︎ In addition, quarantine facilities are being identified and prepared to manage any suspected or confirmed cases if required.

▪︎ Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) materials are being deployed to PoEs to ensure adherence to hygiene and safety protocols.

▪︎ Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials are being developed and distributed to raise awareness and provide clear guidelines for frontline staff and travelers at PoEs.

4. Enhanced Surveillance and Laboratory Diagnosis:

The National Influenza Sentinel Surveillance (NISS) sites across the six geopolitical zones monitor Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI).

This platform, which is already testing for COVID-19, will now also start testing for HMPV. Provisions will be made to increase the number of tests conducted.

Additionally, laboratories in states with international airports will be supported to enable them to test for HMPV.

5. Infection Prevention and Control (IPC):

Advisories have been issued to hospitals nationwide on enhanced IPC practices, including proper hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, respiratory hygiene, and cough etiquette.

All health facilities are required to identify an appropriate isolation room where cases can be quickly isolated while receiving care.

6. Case Management Preparedness:

Collaborating with state governments and healthcare facilities to provide training for healthcare workers to ensure adequate case management teams are in place and ready to respond if needed.

This will ensure that healthcare workers are able to provide appropriate care and maintain a high index of suspicion. Supportive care and an emphasis on a high index of suspicion are crucial.

We are requesting state governments to activate their treatment centers or isolation centers to ensure they are prepared to manage cases appropriately.

7. Stockpiling of Medical Countermeasures:

Relevant materials such as PPEs (face masks, hand gloves, hand hygiene supplies, and other essential IPC items) have been stockpiled for rapid deployment if required.

Additionally, laboratory consumables, reagents, and other necessary supplies have also been stockpiled to ensure readiness.

Risk Communication and Community Engagement:Engaging with the public through clear and accurate messages to address concerns, dispel misinformation, and encourage appropriate health-seeking behaviors.

We work in close collaboration with state risk communication and community engagement pillars, health educators, and other trusted voices, such as the media.

These efforts reflect NCDC’s commitment to proactive coordination and response at all levels of public health.

Public Advisory What is HMPV?

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that can cause illnesses ranging from mild cold-like symptoms to severe respiratory infections, particularly in:

• Young children •

Older adults

• Individuals with weakened immune systems

There is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for HMPV.

Supportive care, such as rest, hydration, and fever management, remains the primary approach to recovery.

Symptoms

• Cough

• Fever

• Nasal congestion

• Shortness of breath

• Wheezing

• Bronchitis or pneumonia (in vulnerable populations such as very young children, older people, patients with low immunity such and those on cancer treatment, uncontrolled diabetes etc).

The incubation period is 3-5 days after exposure, and infections typically resolve within 2-5 days with supportive care.

We urge the public to adhere to the preventive measures outlined above and to seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms consistent with HMPV infection.

However, high-risk populations may experience complications.

Transmission HMPV spreads through:

• Respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing

• Close personal contact (e.g., touching or shaking hands)

• Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face.

Overcrowding and poor ventilation can lead to increased transmission, e.g., in congregate settings such as correctional centers and poorly managed IDPs.

Preventive Measures

To reduce the risk of HMPV infection, the public is advised to follow these preventive steps:

For the General Public:

• Hand Hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

• Respiratory Etiquette: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing. Cover your mouth an nose with face mask if you are experiencing flu like symptoms.

• Avoid Close Contact: Maintain distance from individuals showing symptoms of respiratory illness.

• Avoid overcrowded places.

• Disinfect Surfaces: Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

• Self-Isolation: Stay home if experiencing symptoms to prevent spreading the virus. As is correct parctice and seek medical care from appropriate sources.

Protecting Vulnerable Groups:

• Young children, older adults, and individuals with underlying health conditions such as people with chronic diseases such as diabetes, on cancer treatment, immunicompromised paients or those with low immunity should seek prompt medical attention if experiencing severe symptoms. Healthcare Guidance

For Healthcare Workers:

• Reinforce Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures in healthcare facilities.

• Enhance surveillance for acute respiratory infections and report unusual increases to the relevant authorities. Index of suspiciona nd enhanced

• Use appropriate PPE when attending to patients with respiratory symptoms.

• Educate patients on preventive measures and when to seek emergency medical care.

• Provide symptomatic care and promptly refer severe cases to specialist facilities.

Conclusion

The NCDC remains dedicated to protecting the health of Nigerians through continuous surveillance and prompt response to infectious diseases.

We urge the public to adhere to the preventive measures outlined above and to seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms consistent with HMPV infection.

We also emphasize the importance of relying on verified information from the NCDC and WHO.

For emergencies, please contact the NCDC’s toll-free line at 6232 or email us at info@ncdc.gov.ng.

Together, we can protect our communities from respiratory infections and ensure a healthier Nigeria.

Contact Information • Toll-Free Number: 6232 • SMS: *** • WhatsApp: *** • Twitter: @NCDCGov • Facebook: @NCDCgov • Instagram: @NCDCgov

Related Topics:Featured HMPV public advisory Human Metapneumovirus

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Health

Father’s Day: LAAF Acknowledges Men’s Daily Challenges, holds Conference in Lagos (Photos)

Published

6 days ago

June 15, 2025

Charles Flames

72 Views

A globally recognized women-led non-profit organization, the Life After Abuse Foundation (LAAF), has organised a conference for men, with the theme: “The Dear Men”,which focuses on the struggles and silence of men after facing some sort of emotional bullying/trauma.

The event was held on the 14th of June, 2025 in Lagos State.

According to the convener, Halima Layeni, Founder & Executive Director, the group aims to create a more inclusive and supportive global community where the well-being of men is prioritized and supported.

First speaker: Paul Oyewusi (Founder of Circle Men)

He spoke on “Understanding Trauma in Men”.

He said, “though the society has made the men not to speak up about their daily trauma and emotional stress, but it is imminent for such men to start speaking up and stop being shy. He said, no man planned the trauma they pass through while growing up, which has made most men to live the way are currently living.

He however urged such men to man-up, speak up and change the narrative, instead of bottling up the anger, the hatred and the negative character which was born out of their life experience.

Second speaker: Samuel Joseph

He spoke on how Drug and substance abuse affects mental health.

He said “the use of hard drugs and other substances are a major reason why most men are subjected to suicide. He said such drugs affects their mental health and drain them to the state of being unwanted. He also urged the men to speak up whenever they are in such state.

Third Speaker: Shola Adigun (Founder of Father Figure Initiative)

He spoke on Healing the father wound, understanding the impact of an absent father.

He urged the men to fix the issues fathers face in life. Issues which includes backlash from their father, mother or step-father and step-mother which has gravely affected their life as they advance in life.

He also joined other speakers to urge such men to man-up, speak up and change the narrative, instead of bottling up anger, hatred and negative character.

Fourth Speaker: Mustalpha Adeyemi (President KB Club)

He spoke on Emotional Vulnerability in Men.

He stressed that men should open up, engage with someone, explaining what they are going through. According to him, the men are seen as super humans who hardly show their feelings, which makes the society feel they are less vulnerable.

Mustalpha also said, at least 40 percent of men face series of maltreatments but are shy to speak up due to condemnations or being seen as a weakling.

Fifth Speaker: Barr. Dare Asobele, Founder and coordinator of Anti Suicide prevention squad.

He addressed the men on Toxic Masculinity and Healthy Masculinity.

He encouraged the men not to allow trauma take the best part of them. In his words, he said: “do not bottle your emotions”, Find a safe space to take, get help, do regular exercise, find an enabling environment, seek a therapist, do not allow trauma to define who you are, let go of the past, forgive yourself, forgive your parent or whomever that have caused you trauma, and see how you can become a better man in the society.

Other photos:

Health

Bill Gates ambitious to end malaria in Nigeria in the next 20 years

Malaria, one of the most dreaded diseases, especially in Nigeria, has for several years defied solution, with Nigeria accounting for nearly 31% of global deaths.

Published

3 weeks ago

June 4, 2025

OhiBaba

32 Views

Bill Gates has said that his Foundation is working to end Malaria in Nigeria within the next twenty years (2045).

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and chairman of the Bill Gates Foundation, gave the assurance shortly after being conferred with one of Nigeria’s highest national honours, the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic CFR, by President Bola Tinubu in Lagos, on Tuesday.

Gates, who described the project as ” ambitious”, however, assured that it will be achieved.

“Some of our goals will seem ambitious; for example, in the next twenty years, we hope to eradicate malaria.”

Malaria, one of the most dreaded diseases, especially in Nigeria, has for several years defied solution, with Nigeria accounting for nearly 31% of global deaths.

The death toll from the disease was estimated at 194,000 in 2021 in Nigeria alone, making it the country with the highest Malaria burden.

Health

In search of cheap cooking oil, many families consume red oxide unknowingly

Published

3 weeks ago

June 2, 2025

Charles Flames

35 Views

Unless something is urgently done to arrest the sliding economy, which has skyrocketed the price of everything in the market, many households in Nigeria may soon suffer one form of food poisoning or the other.

It may not be that they intended to do so, but the search for cheaper alternatives to goods and services whose prices are on the rooftop will drive the unfortunate development.

Without any pride in doomsday prophecy, the families that are likely to suffer this unfortunate health hazard will most likely contact it through consumable food items.

Most prominent among them is the palm oil – a cooking oil, popularly known as red oil.

In the past few years there has been a gradual increase in the price of palm oil, but most recently the increase has jumped beyond 100 per cent.

Yet, it is even hardly seen to buy.

Apparently as a result, many families are not only looking for one to buy but also where to buy it at a cheaper rate.

This scramble has resulted in many dubious business people indulging in the adulteration of an item which is almost indispensable in preparing a good meal, especially the African soup.

It was discovered that the most common ingredient used in adulterating the palm oil is a dangerous chemical known as red oxide – a reddish pigment from Iron (III) oxide.

A palm oil dealer said: “Some sellers mix a chemical called red oxide with original palm oil to become more red to increase profits.

Twenty-five litres of palm oil is now over N50,000So to increase profits, some greedy sellers add the substance to some brands of palm oil that are not very good, to make it look reddish and sell it like the real palm oil.

However, the adulteration results in the sudden change in the color and taste of the oil when it is left over, a day or two.

A palm oil dealer said: “Some sellers mix a chemical called red oxide with original palm oil to become more red to increase profits.

Meanwhile, the implications are telling on people’s lives.

Mrs. Yemisi Oloyode, a fashion designer, complained to us: “Recently everyone in my house has been complaining of a runny stomach . I was really bothered and decided to stop using the palm oil I bought from the market recently.

I bought that oil outside my usual customer who supplies me original palm oil, because she ran out of stock.

“At first, I suspected the colour of the oil and the taste was also different.

“Another reason I fell for it was because it was cheap. “But, from the day I started cooking with it, every member of my household was complaining of stomach bite and runny stomach. However, when I stopped using it, the complaints stopped. “It was then I knew the problem was from the palm oil. I assessed it again and discovered it looks weird.

“It is only God that will save us in this country,” she added. Mrs. Gladys Douglas, a teacher, said: “I have been very cautious with whatever I buy in the market these days.

“Few weeks ago , I bought red oil and poured some inside a bowl. After cooking, I took the bowl outside for washing. But within a few minutes, the remnant of the oil in the bowl had turned to pink.

“I had to return the gallon of oil to the seller. She was pleading with me, explaining that what she sold was what she was supplied.

”Palm oil has become so expensive that a 5 litre keg that used to cost N5,000 is now N12,000. That is even depending on the location one is making the purchase.

Another palm oil supplier who only identified himself as Mr Jay confirmed that the adulterated oil has permeated almost all markets where food items are sold, and that it takes very vigilant and experienced customers to know the difference between them and the original palm oil.

He said: “It is very rampant in the market now and many people hardly know.

“It is not only the retailers that are indulging in the adulteration, even suppliers do such to increase profits.

“I buy my palm oil from a credible source and let my customers know why my product is more expensive than others.

“But you know Nigerians love awoof. They prefer patronizing the fake palm oil sellers.

“Only a few people can identify the original palm oil. ”Red oxide is a common name for iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3), a reddish-colored pigment. It is naturally found as hematite, a major iron ore, and is widely used in paints, pigments, and other industries.

Mr. Adeolu Aderibigbe, a Science Laboratory Technician, warned that the chemical is very dangerous to human health and can lead to food poisoning if consumed in large quantities.

“Human ingestion of red oxide is very dangerous to health because this chemical is used in some industries to manufacture products like paints. “It can cause food poisoning and impair the kidneys, liver, and central nervous system.”