The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has said the platforms used to monitor and test for COVID-19 in the country would begin testing for the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV).
Director General of the NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris announced this in a statement on Monday.
Dr. Idris explained that the National Influenza Sentinel Surveillance (NISS) sites across the six geopolitical zones monitor Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI).
Consequently, “this platform, which is already testing for COVID-19, will now also start testing for HMPV. Provisions will be made to increase the number of tests conducted.
“Additionally, laboratories in states with international airports will be supported to enable them to test for HMPV”.
The DG informed that the NCDC was closely monitoring the situation adding that in the Dynamic Risk Assessment On January 6, 2025, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (USCDC), and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), conducted a dynamic risk assessment for HMPV.
He said the assessment classified the risk of HMPV for Nigeria as moderate. This evaluation, Dr. Idris noted would inform and guide preparedness efforts, decision-making, and response strategies to mitigate potential impacts.
The DG disclosed that, NCDC in collaboration with Port Health Authorities, was taking proactive steps to ensure robust preparedness at all international points of entry (PoEs) in response to the dynamic risk assessment for the virus.
These he noted include conducting a comprehensive situation analysis at all international PoEs to assess current readiness levels.
“In addition, quarantine facilities are being identified and prepared to manage any suspected or confirmed cases if required.
“Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) materials are being deployed to PoEs to ensure adherence to hygiene and safety protocols. Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials are being developed and distributed to raise awareness and provide clear guidelines for frontline staff and travelers at PoEs”, he said.
