Five years after the COVID-19 pandemic began in Wuhan, China, concerns are rising about another disease pandemic in the guise of the Human Metapneumovirus, HMPV. In late 2024, cases of this viral respiratory illness surged in northern Chinese provinces, alarming health officials around the world. 

Reports of the infections have also come from India, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, and the United Kingdom, but the World Health Organisation, WHO, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC, have not issued severe warnings regarding a potential global threat, even as several health experts and commentators have called for calm. 

Experts believe that fears of a new pandemic are unfounded, noting that HMPV has occurred commonly since it was first reported in 2001, and it is not classified as a notifiable disease like COVID-19 or influenza. However, HMPV still poses risks to public health, especially for the identified vulnerable groups. 

HMPV mainly spreads through respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes, and it can also be transmitted by touching contaminated surfaces and the face. 

The respiratory illnesses it causes can range from mild colds to serious pneumonia, and this is particularly concerning for elderly individuals, young children, and those with weakened immune systems. The public must be aware of these risks, especially in Nigeria where healthcare resources may not be readily accessible. 

On January 6, 2025, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, released a public health update stating that current data shows no unusual rise in respiratory infections, including those linked to HMPV. 

A risk assessment carried out by the NCDC, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health, the World Health Organisation, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the UK Health Security Agency, has classified HMPV’s risk in Nigeria as moderate. 

This assessment suggests that Nigeria is enhancing its readiness and response to potential health threats. Although HMPV cases have not been reported, maintaining preparedness is still essential. While a pandemic-like spread seems unlikely, there are valuable lessons to learn from the COVID-19 experience.

It is cheering that Nigerian health authorities are taking steps to improve readiness in response to growing global worries. Although a vaccine is not yet available, and one is still being tested, maintaining good hygiene and following health guidelines is crucial. Access to preventive measures like hand washing, proper coughing etiquette, and vaccinations for other respiratory illnesses remains essential.

Community leaders and organisations should play a key role in these efforts, encouraging local support for public health measures. It is critical to ensure that laboratory testing remains reliable and that data analysis is used effectively to track trends and predict outbreaks.

Improving the healthcare system is vital. Ongoing public education, awareness campaigns, and investment in research are necessary. The risk posed by HMPV should not be overlooked. By acting decisively now, Nigeria can reduce the threat of this virus and protect the health of its citizens. Immediate action is needed.