Health

NCDC Issues Public Health Advisory On Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)

There is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for HMPV.

Published

2 months ago

January 7, 2025

OCHEFA

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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JUST IN: Kebbi Govt Confirms Meningitis Outbreak, 26 Deaths

Published

1 day ago

March 11, 2025

Charles Flames

The State Commissioner for Health, Yanusa Ismail, disclosed this during a press conference in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital.

He revealed that a total of 248 suspected cases have been recorded, with 11 samples taken for examination, out of which three have been confirmed negative.

According to the commissioner, the affected LGAs are Gwandu, Aleiro, and Jega. He provided a breakdown of the fatalities as follows: 18 in Gwandu, six in Jega, four in Aleiro, and one in Argungu.

In response to the outbreak, the Kebbi State Government has approved ₦30 million for the procurement of drugs to contain the spread of the disease.

The commissioner urged the public to maintain personal hygiene and avoid crowded places to reduce the risk of infection.

He also confirmed that isolation centres have been set up to manage cases.

He added that samples have been sent to Abuja for further testing, and if confirmed, the state government will request vaccines to prevent further spread.

Meanwhile, Ohibaba.com has learned that a case was also detected at Aleiro State University of Science and Technology, resulting in one death.

The commissioner confirmed this development and advised the university authorities to take measures to decongest student hostels.

Health

JUST-IN: Diphtheria Hits King’s College, Parents Blame Poor Hygiene

Published

1 day ago

March 11, 2025

Charles Flames

A diphtheria outbreak at King’s College, Lagos (KCL), has sparked outrage among parents, who blamed poor sanitation and inadequate hygiene for the spread of the deadly bacterial infection.

The outbreak, which has resulted in multiple hospitaliSations and one confirmed fatality among students, has prompted the Lagos State Government to activate its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to contain the situation.

Parents have long raised concerns about the deteriorating condition of the school’s facilities, citing issues such as unsanitary toilets, poor waste management, and unhygienic food preparation.

Many believed these conditions created a breeding ground for infections, making students vulnerable to diphtheria and other illnesses.

A concerned parent, speaking anonymously, questioned why the school had initially downplayed the situation despite clear signs of a looming outbreak.

“If hygiene wasn’t an issue, why are students suddenly wearing nose masks? Why were some rushed to LUTH for treatment? This could have been prevented if the school took health and sanitation seriously,” she said.

Reports suggest that students had shown symptoms of diphtheria weeks before the official confirmation, with some parents claiming their children were diagnosed in external hospitals.

However, attempts to raise these concerns within the school’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) were reportedly dismissed.

Following the outbreak, King’s College management issued consent forms requesting parents’ approval for their children to receive diphtheria vaccinations.

The immunization campaign, carried out in collaboration with the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, aims to boost immunity among students and prevent further spread.

The Lagos State government, reacting swiftly, activated its Emergency Response Committee.

Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, confirmed that the index case was a 12-year-old student who reported to the school’s clinic on February 22 with a sore throat and fever.

“He was referred to LUTH, where he received antibiotics and diphtheria antitoxin serum.

However, despite medical intervention, he succumbed to severe myocarditis—a known complication of diphtheria toxin—on March 6.

At the time of his death, 34 close contacts were already under medical observation. Of these, 14 students developed symptoms and were transferred to LUTH for screening.

Twelve were confirmed to have early-stage diphtheria and placed on immediate treatment,” the Commissioner disclosed.

Abayomi averred that the state government has now launched a mass vaccination campaign for students at both the Victoria Island Annexe and the Main School in Igbosere, extending immunization efforts to teachers and healthcare providers, adding that a health inspection at King’s College revealed gaps in infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, which officials have vowed to address immediately.

“To curb further spread, the government is distributing diphtheria awareness materials across schools and hospitals in Lagos.

A public health advisory is also being prepared to educate residents on symptoms, prevention, and early treatment.

“With nearly 500,000 doses of diphtheria vaccines available, health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), are collaborating to contain the outbreak and prevent future occurrences, he stated.

Parents, however, insisted that the root cause of the problem must be addressed. Many were calling for urgent government intervention to improve water supply, sanitation, waste management, and healthcare facilities in the school.

One disraut mother, whose son was hospitalised for over a week, lamented the poor conditions students endure. “This is not just about diphtheria.

The entire school environment is unhealthy.

If nothing changes, we will keep seeing outbreaks of diseases that could have been prevented with basic hygiene,” she said.

As the State Emergency Operations Centre continues to monitor the evolving situation, Commissioner Abayomi has urged Lagosians to prioritise hygiene, avoid crowded environments, and seek immediate medical attention if experiencing diphtheria symptoms.

He reassured the public that the outbreak is under control, and proactive measures will continue to protect students and prevent future health crises.

Health

NCDC Confirms Spread of Lassa Fever As Death Toll Reaches 98

NCDC said five states account for 91 percent of confirmed cases: Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi states. Also, ten local government areas make up 68 percent of confirmed cases: Owo, Akure South, Etsako West, Kirfi, Akoko South-West, Bali, Esan North-East, Bauchi, Toro, and Jalingo.

Published

2 days ago

March 10, 2025

OCHEFA

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed the spread of Lassa fever across the country, and death of a 31-year-old physician who died of the disease after he had returned from the United Kingdom.

The NCDC, in a statement said that the Ondo State Ministry of Health confirmed that a 31-year-old physician, was managed at a private health facility in Ondo State after returning from the UK but died after.

The agency reports that the number of Lassa fever cases has risen to 535 out of 2,728 suspected cases, with 98 deaths recorded across 14 states in Nigeria as of March 2, 2025.

To strengthen both national and international coordination efforts, NCDC says that all necessary in-country structures had been mobilised to ensure proper monitoring of contacts.

NCDC states that Lassa fever cases occur year-round, with peak transmission periods typically from October to May.