NCDC reactivates COVID-19 protocols amidst HMPV outbreak in China
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) announced that Nigeria currently faces no immediate risk from the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection, despite rising hospitalisations in China, particularly among children.
To ensure public health safety, the NCDC has reactivated COVID-19-like emergency protocols at airports, borders, and health facilities.
Among the measures implemented are a thorough analysis of the situation at Points of Entry (PoEs), the development of an HMPV Entry Implementation Protocol approved by Health Minister Prof. Ali Pate, and the identification of quarantine facilities for suspected or confirmed cases.
NCDC Director-General Jide Idris stated that a dynamic risk assessment has prompted the agency, in partnership with other stakeholders, to bolster preparedness at these entry points, aiming to mitigate potential transmission of HMPV through international travel.
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“The key actions taken, he said, include a comprehensive situation analysis at PoEs, the development of an HMPV Entry Implementation Protocol approved by the Minister of Health and the identification of quarantine facilities for managing suspected or confirmed cases.”
He also said Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) materials and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) resources are being deployed to frontline staff and travelers.
Idris added that surveillance has been enhanced with the National Influenza Sentinel Surveillance (NISS) sites monitoring Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI), now including testing for HMPV.
In addition to laboratories in states with international airports being equipped to facilitate the testing, the Director General said hospitals nationwide have received advisories on IPC practices, while healthcare workers are being trained for case management preparedness.
He also spoke about stockpiles of personal protective equipment, laboratory reagents and essential supplies for deployment.
Through risk communication and community engagement, Idris said NCDC has continued to ensure clear public messaging, dispelling misinformation, and encouraging appropriate health-seeking behavior, underscoring its commitment to proactive health security.
In the health advisory, he emphasized that HMPV spreads through respiratory droplets, close contact, and touching contaminated surfaces, all of which should be avoided.
Idris noted that overcrowding and poor ventilation, particularly in settings like Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps or correctional facilities, significantly increase the risk of transmission.
To reduce the risk of infection, he urged the members of the public to wash hands frequently with soap and water, cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and wear a mask if symptomatic.
He also advised that crowded spaces should be avoided, maintain distance from sick individuals, disinfect frequently touched surfaces, and self-isolate if unwell while seeking prompt medical care.
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