- Nigeria began airport screenings in response to the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) spread that was first detected in China
- Over 5,000 were reportedly hospitalised in the UK, with the virus also confirmed in India, Hong Kong, and Malaysia
- Port Health Officers to conduct detailed checks at major airports, including Lagos and Abuja
The Nigerian government has heightened surveillance at major international airports in response to the spread of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), which was first detected in China and has since spread globally.
The virus has reportedly led to over 5,000 hospitalisations in the United Kingdom and has been reported in countries such as India, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan.
Nigeria begins passenger screenings at major airports to prevent HMPV
In a bid to prevent its spread within Nigeria, Health Minister Muhammad Ali Pate directed port health officers to begin screening arriving passengers for symptoms of the virus.
The screenings have been implemented at key airports, including Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
An undisclosed source at the MMIA reported, “There is no cause for alarm as the Port Health Service has been mandated to start screening the passengers and we are not taking anything to chance. The Port Health Officers are conducting the right check on passengers of foreign airlines as they arrive into the country.”
NCDC collaborates with health ministry to track HMPV spread
The global spread of the new virus has raised widespread concern. In an advisory released on Monday, January 6, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), led by Director-General Dr. Jide Idris, stated it was actively monitoring the situation in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
“We aim to provide timely, accurate information and guidance to keep the Nigerian public informed and prepared,” NCDC stated.
Reports indicated a significant increase in HMPV infections in China, alongside a rise in related respiratory illnesses in the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, with the winter season exacerbating the spread.
Giving a global situation update, the NCDC said, “The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has highlighted a notable rise in hospital admissions due to HMPV-related complications, especially among children under five and older adults in care homes. This trend emphasises the need for heightened preparedness and vigilance.”
Mpox outbreak could make entire African continent declare public health emergency
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the African continent was poised to declare a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) as the Mpox (Monkeypox) outbreak continued to spread across many countries.
According to the report, the disease could spread from animals to humans and between humans through close contact, respiratory droplets, and contaminated objects.