Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has indicated while the country has identified a trace of Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) its impact remains minimal.

Appearing before Parliament on Tuesday, the Health Minister stated that detection became privy after routine surveillance testing for HMPV in January.

According to him, out of a total of ninety (90) samples submitted only one was positive, with the case involving an elderly person.

The Health Minister has noted that the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has implemented measures to limit the further spread of the virus.

“Mr Speaker we have also identified the single case of Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in the country. In response to the recent increase in respiratory cases in China and some countries in 2024 as part of our routine surveillance we commenced testing for HMPV this year in January 2025. So far a total 90 samples have been submitted for testing and only one positive case has been detected for HMPV. This was detected on an elderly person.

“Mr Speaker I want to assure the house that the risk of HMPV in Ghana remains low. As you can see we have a robust system in place to monitor for respiratory viruses,” he added.

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that can lead to various respiratory conditions, ranging from mild cold-like symptoms to severe pneumonia.

Though it can affect individuals of any age, it predominantly impacts young children, elderly adults, and those with compromised immune systems.

Ghana is currently battling with Cholera and Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM). The cholera outbreak, which began in Ada West, Greater Accra Region, in October 2024, has since spread to multiple regions.

The CSM outbreak in the Upper West Region has led to more than 129 reported cases as of Sunday, February 16. Tragically, 16 individuals have died, while 29 others are undergoing treatment.

The cholera outbreak, which began in Ada West, Greater Accra Region, in October 2024, has since spread to multiple regions.

As of February 13, 2025, there have been 6,145 reported cases, 719 of which are confirmed, and 49 deaths.

To enhance Ghana's response to meningitis, the World Health Organization (WHO) has delivered a shipment of critical medical supplies to Ghana’s Ministry of Health (MoH) to aid in the ongoing battle against the meningitis outbreak.

During the handover ceremony in Accra, Dr. Frank Lule, WHO Representative to Ghana, reiterated the organization’s dedication to assisting the country’s healthcare efforts.

"We have adequate antibiotics to treat affected individuals, and a response team will be deployed to the northern region to provide further assistance," he disclosed.