The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is actively monitoring the situation regarding the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus that can cause illnesses ranging from mild cold-like symptoms to severe respiratory infections. This virus particularly affects young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. However, NCDC’s Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, has reassured the public that there is no immediate threat.
During an interview on Channels TV on Thursday morning, Dr. Idris explained that the virus is not a new threat but is instead “not well-known.” He clarified that HMPV has been implicated in respiratory infections across various countries, especially among vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. “Let me say, there’s no serious threat for now. That’s one. Two, this HMPV virus, it’s not a new virus. It’s just that it’s not well-known,” he stated.
Dr. Idris compared the virus to the seasonal flu, describing it as one of the many causes of respiratory problems. “Just like the normal flu, old virus or influenza, respiratory virus, it’s just one of those causes of respiratory problems,” he said, adding that the virus is typically mild but can cause more severe issues in those with compromised immune systems.
The NCDC has activated a “monitoring and alert phase” in response to the presence of HMPV. Dr. Idris emphasized that this phase is a precautionary measure and that the agency is working closely with global health organizations to stay informed. “We are in a monitoring and alert phase, and that’s why again we take instructions from WHO globally because every country is supposed to report cases like this, any case; any problem to WHO,” he explained.
He went on to mention that, like other countries, Nigeria is following the global protocol of reporting cases that could potentially lead to global health concerns. This is part of the international effort to prepare countries for any emerging threats. “Those things that they consider might become global problems later so that they can alert every other country to get prepared,” Dr. Idris said.
Dr. Idris also reflected on Nigeria’s previous experiences with major health crises, such as the Ebola outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic. He pointed out that these experiences have strengthened Nigeria’s public health infrastructure, equipping the country to better handle future health threats. “We’ve experienced some major problems, we had Ebola, and we had COVID. With those two, we developed some capabilities. We learned our lessons and put infrastructures in place,” he noted.
In light of these improvements, Dr. Idris emphasized that the country now has more robust public health systems in place to address potential health threats. “We’ve got public health infrastructures. These are things you need to put in place in expectation of things like this so that you don’t have to start running helter-skelter,” he stated, stressing the importance of preparedness.
