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In response to the outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) recently detected in China and spreading to countries including India, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan, Nigeria has intensified passenger screening at major international airports.
The Nigerian government’s proactive measures, including surveillance at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, aim to prevent the virus from entering the country.
Global Concerns and Local Action
HMPV, linked to increased respiratory infections globally, has led to the hospitalization of over 5,000 individuals in the United Kingdom. While the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has yet to issue formal directives to airlines, the Minister of Health, Muhammad Ali Pate, has instructed port health officers to screen incoming passengers for symptoms.
A source at MMIA stated:
“Port Health Services are conducting the necessary checks on arriving passengers, and there is no cause for alarm.”
NCDC Advisory
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has assured the public it is monitoring the situation closely. In an advisory signed by its Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, the NCDC emphasized:
“We aim to provide timely, accurate information and guidance to keep the Nigerian public informed and prepared.”
The NCDC also debunked rumors that the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared HMPV a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
Rising Global Cases
HMPV cases are surging in China, with increased respiratory infections reported in the UK, France, and Germany. In the UK, hospitals are under pressure from multiple viruses, including flu, RSV, and COVID-19.
Key statistics from the UK’s National Health Service (NHS):
- Flu hospitalizations rose from 4,102 on Christmas Day to 5,074 by December 29.
- An average of 723 patients with norovirus were hospitalized in late December, a 40% increase from the previous year.
- COVID-19 and RSV cases also contributed to higher hospital bed occupancy rates.
With temperatures in England dropping below freezing, health systems remain on high alert.
Looking Ahead
As the HMPV situation evolves, Nigerian authorities and health agencies are collaborating to ensure preparedness and prevent the virus’s spread.