NCDC Issues New COVID-19 Protocols In Response To China Virus

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) declared yesterday that Nigeria is not at risk yet of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection.

In China, thousands of people, especially children, have been hospitalized due to the infection.

The centre, apart from its advisory, also introduced COVID-19-like protocols at the airports and borders.

It listed the measures taken as comprehensive situation analysis at Points of Entry (PoEs); the development of an HMPV Entry Implementation Protocol approved by the Health Minister Prof. Ali Pate and identifying quarantine facilities for managing suspected or confirmed cases.

NCDC Director-General (DG) Jide Idris said that following the dynamic risk assessment, the agency, in collaboration with others, is strengthening its preparedness at the PoEs, among other steps, to mitigate the potential transmission of HMPV through international travel.

“The key actions taken include a comprehensive situation analysis at PoEs, the development of an HMPV Entry Implementation Protocol approved by the Minister of Health, and the identification of quarantine facilities for managing suspected or confirmed cases.”

He also said Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) materials and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) resources are being deployed to frontline staff and travelers.

Idris added that surveillance has been enhanced with the National Influenza Sentinel Surveillance (NISS) sites monitoring Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI), now including testing for HMPV.

In addition to laboratories in states with international airports being equipped to facilitate the testing, the Director General said hospitals nationwide have received advisories on IPC practices. At the same time, healthcare workers are being trained in case management preparedness.

He also spoke about stockpiles of personal protective equipment, laboratory reagents, and essential supplies for deployment.

Through risk communication and community engagement, Idris said NCDC has continued to ensure clear public messaging, dispelling misinformation, and encouraging appropriate health-seeking behavior, underscoring its commitment to proactive health security.

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