- Nigeria’s Port Health Services alerted all points of entry across the country to the rising threat of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), with Lagos identified as the top priority region
- Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) ramped up its surveillance by expanding testing for HMPV at National Influenza Sentinel sites and providing support to laboratories in states with international airports
- World Health Organisation (WHO) advised personal hygiene, mask-wearing, and avoiding contact for those showing mild symptoms of respiratory infections
All points of entry across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory have been alerted about the growing threat of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), with Lagos identified as a priority region.
This was disclosed by the Director of Port Health Services, Dr Akpan Nse, in an interview with the Punch. He emphasised the need for at least one quarantine centre in each state and plans to establish more centres if the situation worsens.
He said, “We have notified every point of entry in the country, which we have even done as early as this week. In Nigeria, we have Port Health in all the states of the federation. So, we have notified the 36 states and the FCT. Some states may not have seaports or airports, but they all have land borders.
“Travellers may come from the land borders, and they are all at alert, we sent the notice to all the states of the federation, and we have the presence of Port Health officers working in all the states.
“Then, we also prioritise the borders in the states. There are lots of international travels in Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Kano, and Port-Harcourt, and flights come in two or three times, so we need to be very alert in all those five first. And the number one is Lagos, people will come by sea, by air, and by land.
“So, the borders there have to be well monitored because it could come from the nearest state or county. We have to work day and night to ensure that we screen the immigrants.
“We still need to conduct cross-border interactions. We need to be sure that our Port Health Officers, working within the border posts interact with other officers in other borders on case definition, among others.”
What is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)?
HMPV is a respiratory virus that can cause a range of illnesses, from mild cold-like symptoms to severe respiratory infections. It particularly affects young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Dr Nse highlighted the lack of a specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for HMPV, emphasising that supportive care such as rest, hydration, and fever management remains the primary approach to recovery.
Symptoms of the virus include cough, fever, nasal congestion, shortness of breath, and conditions such as bronchitis or pneumonia in vulnerable groups.
While China has reported the highest number of HMPV cases, other countries, including Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, and Kazakhsta,n have also seen rising infections.
In response, Dr Nse noted the importance of collaboration at border communities to prevent the growing virus threat from spreading.
He also urged the public to respect the authority of Port Health officials, noting that even high-status individuals must adhere to border procedures to ensure fairness and effectiveness in controlling the spread of the virus.
NCDC urges hospitals to improve infection prevention and control
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has also ramped its response efforts.
In a statement issued by its Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, the NCDC confirmed that the National Influenza Sentinel Surveillance sites across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, which currently monitor Influenza-like Illness and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections, will expand their testing capabilities to include HMPV.
Laboratories in states with international airports will also receive support to facilitate testing.
The NCDC has also issued advisories to hospitals nationwide, urging enhanced infection prevention and control (IPC) practices, including proper hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene, and environmental cleaning.
Health facilities have been instructed to designate appropriate isolation rooms for patients with suspected HMPV cases.
WHO advises mask-wearing, hygiene practices to reduce infection risks
Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has assessed the current global situation and advised against implementing travel or trade restrictions related to the rise in acute respiratory infections, including HMPV.
“WHO recommends that individuals in areas where it is winter take normal precautions to prevent the spread and reduce risks posed by respiratory pathogens, especially to the most vulnerable. People with mild symptoms should stay home to avoid infecting other people and rest.
“People at high risk or with complicated or severe symptoms should seek medical care as soon as possible. Individuals should also consider wearing a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or bent elbow, practice regular handwashing, and get recommended vaccines as per physician and local public health authorities’ advice.
“WHO advises Member States to maintain surveillance for respiratory pathogens through an integrated approach, considering country context, priorities, resources and capacities.
“Based on the current risk assessment, WHO advises against any travel or trade restrictions related to current trends in acute respiratory infections,” the statement read in part.
With ongoing global concerns, Nigerian health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that necessary measures are in place to safeguard public health.
China grapples with spike in respiratory illnesses amid fears of new outbreak
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the hospitals in China were overwhelmed by a rise in respiratory illnesses, causing concerns about a potential outbreak.
Social media videos showed crowded hospital units and people wearing face masks, echoing early COVID-19 scenes.