COVID-19 protocol
NCDC prepares against new China’s COVID-19 variant, assures Nigerians of safety
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has assured Nigerians that they are not at risk over the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection that broke out in China.
Indeed, thousands of people, especially children, have been hospitalised in China over the infection of the COVID variant.
However, NCDC, apart from its advisory, has also introduced COVID-19-like protocols at the airports and borders.
The NCDC explained that the measures include a comprehensive situation analysis at Points of Entry (PoEs); development of an HMPV Entry Implementation Protocol as approved by the Health Minister Prof. Ali Pate and the identification of quarantine facilities for managing suspected or confirmed cases.
According to the NCDC Director-General (DG) Jide Idris, 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 director-general said, “The key actions takennclude 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.
He explained 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.
Laboratories in states with international airports are being equipped to facilitate the testing and hospitals nationwide have received advisories on IPC practices, while healthcare workers are being trained for case management preparedness.
The NCDC boss assured on stockpiles of personal protective equipment, laboratory reagents and essential supplies for deployment, adding that the NCDC has continued to ensure clear public messaging, dispelling misinformation, and encouraging appropriate health-seeking behavior, underscoring its commitment to proactive health security.
He explained that HMPV spreads through respiratory droplets, close contact, and touching contaminated surfaces, all of which should be avoided, noting that overcrowding and poor ventilation, particularly in settings like Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps or correctional facilities, significantly increase the risk of transmission.
Consequently, he advised Nigerians to wash their hands frequently with soap and water, cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and wear a mask if symptomatic.
In the same vein, he advised Nigerians to avoid crowded spaces, maintain distance from sick individuals, disinfect frequently touched surfaces, and self-isolate if unwell while seeking prompt medical care.
Accordingly, he urged healthcare workers to enforce infection prevention measures, use PPE, enhance surveillance, report unusual infection spikes, and educate patients on preventive steps and emergency care.
Young children, older adults, and immune compromised individuals were also urged to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms worsen.