HMPV: Federal Gov’t Tightens Surveillance, Places Passengers From China Under Watch

The Federal Government of Nigeria has implemented heightened surveillance and quarantine measures for inbound passengers from China due to a surge in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in the Asian country.

Dr. John Oladejo, the Director of Special Duties at the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), confirmed the government’s proactive stance on Sunday, stating that quarantine measures would be activated for passengers traveling from China to prevent the spread of the virus into Nigeria.

Reports from China indicate a significant spike in HMPV cases, particularly affecting children under 14 in northern provinces. Social media posts have highlighted overcrowded hospitals and emergency health measures, causing fears of a larger health crisis. However, Chinese authorities have downplayed the situation, explaining it as a typical seasonal surge in respiratory infections.

“Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season. The diseases appear to be less severe and spread on a smaller scale compared to the previous year,” said Mao Ning, spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry.

HMPV, identified in Pakistan in 2001, is a respiratory virus that can cause both upper and lower respiratory tract infections. It spreads through respiratory droplets, close personal contact, and contaminated surfaces. Common symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath, and in severe cases, it can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia, particularly in vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Unlike COVID-19, HMPV typically causes milder symptoms and is more common in the winter. However, concerns are rising that the recent surge may involve a new variant, prompting close monitoring of the situation.

Virologists like Dr. Moses Adewumi from the University College Hospital in Ibadan have called for continuous surveillance to prevent HMPV from entering Nigeria. He emphasized that the resources used during the COVID-19 pandemic should be leveraged to enhance surveillance systems for such health threats.

Dr. Oladipo Kolawole, an Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases at Adeleke University, praised the government’s actions, stating that early detection through surveillance and quarantine measures are crucial in controlling outbreaks before they spread within the community.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has been monitoring the situation in China but has not recommended any travel or trade restrictions. It has advised the public to practice standard precautions such as vaccination against respiratory pathogens, mask-wearing, proper ventilation, and frequent handwashing.

Other countries like Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Cambodia have reported some HMPV cases but have not experienced widespread outbreaks. Health authorities in India have also downplayed the situation, considering it similar to other seasonal respiratory infections.

Experts in Nigeria have called for sustained vigilance and preparedness to prevent the entry of the virus and to manage potential outbreaks effectively.