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NCDC Issues Public Health Advisory On Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)

There is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for HMPV.

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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.

Follow us on our verified social media platforms for timely updates.

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

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Nurses Back to Work After Four-Day Nationwide Strike

A circular titled “Suspension of the Ongoing Nationwide Nurses’ Strike” signed by the association’s National President, Haruna Mamman, and General Secretary, T.A. Shettima, confirmed the development.

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The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NAMMM) has suspended its nationwide warning strike.

A circular titled “Suspension of the Ongoing Nationwide Nurses’ Strike” signed by the association’s National President, Haruna Mamman, and General Secretary, T.A. Shettima, confirmed the development.

The statement said that the decision was made during a virtual meeting of NANNM’s National Executive Council.

“The strike has been suspended. Nurses and midwives are to resume duty immediately,” he confirmed.

It partly reads, “NEC acknowledges the positive steps taken by the Federal Government in responding to the nine core demands of NANNM, particularly the commitment to clear timelines for implementation.

“In view of the formal agreement reached, and in line with the principle of dialogue and good faith, NEC hereby suspends the ongoing nationwide strike action with immediate effect.

“NEC has directed the national leadership to continue monitoring the implementation of the signed MoU and track the government’s compliance with the agreed timelines.

“State councils are directed to mobilise members for the immediate resumption of duty. ..”

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Nigerian Nurses in Govt -Owned Hospitals Beginning Nationwide Strike Tonight

“Private hospitals are not included. This is because for now the private practitioner nurses are not spread over Nigeria,”

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Twenty-five thousand nurses, under the umbrella of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Federal Health Institutions Sector, will begin a seven-day nationwide strike, tonight.

The strike is in response to issues which include poor remuneration, staff shortages, unpaid allowances, and unsafe working conditions.

On July 14, 2025, the union issued a 15-day ultimatum to the federal government, demanding immediate intervention to prevent a total healthcare shutdown.

The National Chairman of NANNM-FHI, Morakinyo Rilwan, said that the strike would involve a total withdrawal of services across all federal health institutions.

The 15-day ultimatum ends by Tuesday, July 29, 2025, by midnight, and the warning strike commences on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at 12.01am.

“The action would include 74 federal hospitals – teaching hospitals, federal medical centres, specialist hospitals like orthopaedic, neuro-psychiatric, and eye centres, as well as all general hospitals and primary healthcare centres in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, and 774 local government areas.”

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UK doctors on five-day strike, shun PM’s plea

Starmer on Friday appealed to the doctors, saying patients were being put at risk and the strikes would “cause real damage”.

(AFP)

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• Uk doctors on strike / AFP

Thousands of UK doctors launched a five-day strike early Friday after talks with the Labour government for a new pay increase failed to reach a deal.

Doctors were out on picket lines outside hospitals after negotiations with the government went down the wire late Thursday, without reaching an accord.

The move comes after the doctors accepted a pay rise offer totalling 22.3 per cent over two years in September, soon after Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour Party took power.

Resident doctors — those below consultant level — have said they felt they had “no choice” but to strike again to reverse “pay erosion” since 2008.

Starmer on Friday appealed to the doctors, saying patients were being put at risk and the strikes would “cause real damage”.

Launching a strike “will mean everyone loses,” Starmer wrote in the Times, highlighting the added strain it would put on the already struggling National Health Service (NHS).

He appealed to the doctors not to “follow” their union, the British Medical Association (BMA) “down this damaging road.

“Our NHS and your patients need you, ” Starmer warned.” Lives will be blighted by this decision,” Starmer warned.

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