The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) announced yesterday that the country is not currently at risk of an outbreak of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus that has recently led to the hospitalization of thousands, particularly children, in China.

In the wake of this development, the Federal Government has heightened surveillance measures for travelers arriving from China. This proactive step follows a surge in HMPV cases and comes nearly five years after the COVID-19 pandemic, which originated in Wuhan, China.

The NCDC has implemented COVID-19-like preventive protocols at airports and other Points of Entry (PoEs). These include:

• Conducting comprehensive situation analyses at PoEs.
• Developing an HMPV Entry Implementation Protocol, approved by the Health Minister, Prof. Ali Pate.
• Designating quarantine facilities for managing suspected or confirmed HMPV cases.

In its advisory, the NCDC urged Nigerians to remain calm but vigilant, emphasizing the importance of adhering to basic hygiene practices to reduce the risk of respiratory infections.

The government’s swift response aims to curb the spread of HMPV and protect public health, ensuring that Nigeria is prepared should the situation escalate.