Nigeria Steps Up Screening Over New Chinese Virus

The Federal Government has announced it will step up health screening measures for passengers arriving from China following the outbreak of a new respiratory virus, Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), which has raised concerns in the country.

Hospitals in northern China have been overwhelmed as the virus spreads, particularly among children. While neighboring regions such as Cambodia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong have reported a few cases, they have not experienced major outbreaks. Videos shared on social media have shown crowded hospitals, further fueling fears of a potential health crisis.

China’s authorities have reported a surge in HMPV cases among children under 14 in northern parts of the country, coinciding with the winter season. As a precautionary measure, Chinese officials are urging citizens to wear masks, practice social distancing, and regularly disinfect public spaces.

The outbreak of HMPV comes five years after the emergence of COVID-19, which has since infected 777 million people globally and caused over seven million deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Though both viruses affect the respiratory system, HMPV generally causes milder symptoms similar to a common cold or flu, while COVID-19 is known for causing more severe illness.

Mao Ning, a spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, attempted to ease concerns on Friday, explaining that respiratory infections tend to peak in winter, and that this year’s outbreak appears to be less severe and on a smaller scale compared to previous years.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that HMPV spreads through coughing, sneezing, close contact, and touching contaminated surfaces. Symptoms include a cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath, with the possibility of developing into bronchitis or pneumonia. The CDC notes that the virus typically has an incubation period of three to six days.

In response to the situation, Dr. John Oladejo of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) announced that the Nigerian government will implement enhanced surveillance measures, including quarantine protocols for passengers arriving from China.

The WHO has urged people to follow preventive measures, including staying home when sick, avoiding contact with those showing symptoms, and maintaining good hygiene practices.