The Federal Government has announced the activation of surveillance measures for inbound passengers from China in response to a surge of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus causing significant concern in the Asian nation.
This decision, disclosed on Sunday by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), aims to prevent the spread of the virus into the country.
HMPV, which has led to overcrowded hospitals and emergency measures in northern Chinese provinces, has particularly affected children under 14 years. Neighboring countries, including Cambodia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, have reported isolated cases and are closely monitoring the situation.
China’s health authorities have implemented preventive measures, such as wearing masks, social distancing, and disinfection of public spaces, to curb the spread. While HMPV is not new—it was first detected in Pakistan in 2001—its recent surge has reignited global health concerns. Notably, this outbreak comes five years after the emergence of COVID-19, which the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared a global pandemic in 2020.
Despite similarities to COVID-19, experts note key differences between the two viruses. HMPV typically causes milder symptoms, such as cold or flu-like illnesses, while COVID-19 can lead to severe complications. Both viruses, however, spread through respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces.
In response to the rising threat, the NCDC Director of Special Duties, Dr. John Oladejo, emphasized the importance of proactive measures. “The Federal Government will activate surveillance measures, including quarantine protocols, for passengers arriving from China,” he said. This step aligns with WHO’s ongoing efforts to monitor the situation and provide necessary updates.
Medical experts have lauded the government’s decision, highlighting the importance of sustained surveillance. Dr. Moses Adewumi, a virologist at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, stressed, “Surveillance should be a continuous process. We need to monitor inbound travelers from affected regions like China and ensure adequate research funding for local initiatives.”
Similarly, Dr. Oladipo Kolawole, an Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases at Adeleke University, Osun State, described the measures as essential. “Activating surveillance allows for early detection and effective management of outbreaks. Quarantining travelers from high-risk regions is a crucial precautionary step,” he added.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has noted that HMPV poses higher risks to young children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals. Symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath, with some cases progressing to bronchitis or pneumonia.
Meanwhile, neighboring countries like Cambodia and Hong Kong have issued warnings, and Taiwan’s CDC emphasized the need for vigilance due to the virus’s potential severity. In India, however, health officials have downplayed the threat, describing HMPV as “like any other respiratory virus.”
As Nigeria takes precautionary steps, health experts have underscored the need for preparedness and public awareness to safeguard the country from potential health crises.
