The Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Dr. Jide Idris, has assured Nigerians that the country is not facing a serious threat from the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV).
Speaking on Sunrise Daily on Channels Television, Dr. Idris explained that while the virus has existed for some time, it remains relatively unknown to many.
“HMPV can lead to various respiratory issues, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly,” he stated.
What is HMPV?
HMPV is a respiratory virus capable of causing a range of illnesses, from mild cold-like symptoms to severe respiratory infections. Vulnerable groups, such as young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems, are particularly at risk.
Common symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion, shortness of breath, and wheezing. In more severe cases, it can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia.
Following recent risk assessment conducted by the NCDC in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health classified the current risk of HMPV in Nigeria as moderate.
To address this, the NCDC has activated a “monitoring and alert phase” precautionary measure to track and mitigate any potential impact of the virus and that the agency is working closely with global health organizations.
The agency has urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, adopt preventive measures, and seek medical attention if they experience severe respiratory symptoms.
