The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention says it is committed to safeguarding public health following reports of a human metapneumovirus outbreak in China and other regions.

NCDC director-general Jide Idris said this in a statement on Tuesday.

The HMPV outbreak has overwhelmed hospitals in China, sparking global concern.

Videos circulating on social media depict overcrowded waiting rooms and strained healthcare systems, raising alarm in parts of Asia and beyond.

Mr Idris said that the NCDC was collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to monitor global developments and take proactive measures to ensure Nigeria remains prepared.

Dispelling public concern, he said the World Health Organization had not declared HMPV a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. He said the National Influenza Sentinel Surveillance system had not detected any unusual increase in respiratory infections locally.

Although no cases of HMPV have been reported in Nigeria, Idris said that the NCDC had ramped up surveillance efforts nationwide.

Mr Idris added that the agency had enhanced monitoring for respiratory infections, including HMPV, at sentinel sites across the country. 

He also urged healthcare providers to report any unusual spikes in respiratory illnesses while stressing the importance of preventive measures, such as regular handwashing, mask-wearing in crowded spaces, and staying home when unwell.

The WHO has acknowledged the rise in acute respiratory infections in China, particularly among children, as reported by China’s National Health Commission. However, it has not released specific data on HMPV.

Health experts describe HMPV as a known virus with established immunity in the population. While it can cause severe illness in vulnerable groups, it does not pose the same global threat as COVID-19.

(NAN)