China's HMPV: Nigeria Gov Screening Passengers at airport Several Countries

In light of the recent spread of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), which was first discovered in China and is now affecting other countries, the Nigerian government has reinforced monitoring efforts at major international airports. The virus has expanded to countries such as India, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan.

This precautionary measure is designed to limit the spread of HMPV, which has led to more than 5,000 hospitalizations in the United Kingdom. Despite the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) not having issued formal guidelines to airlines on passenger checks, Minister of Health Muhammad Ali Pate has instructed port health officers to monitor passengers arriving in the country for virus symptoms.

Passenger Testing procedures are in progress at major international airports, including Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. A source at MMIA confirmed there is no need for worry, as Port Health Services are conducting thorough inspections of incoming passengers to ensure comprehensive checks on travelers from foreign airlines.

At press time, Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs at the NCAA, has not made any public statements on the issue.

The worldwide spread of HMPV has sparked extensive worry. The virus was first confirmed over the weekend, and cases are steadily increasing. In its latest statement, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), led by Dr. Jide Idris, assured that it is closely observing global developments alongside the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. The NCDC also debunked rumors suggesting the World Health Organization (WHO) might declare HMPV a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), terming these reports as false.

New reports indicate a sharp surge in HMPV cases in China, with a growing incidence of respiratory infections tied to the virus in the UK, France, and Germany, especially in the colder months. SaharaReporters had earlier covered a significant rise in flu cases in the UK, where hospitalizations soared between Christmas and December 29.

Healthcare facilities in the UK remain overwhelmed by several viruses, such as norovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), with a noticeable rise in pediatric cases. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has released cold weather health warnings, forecasting temperatures to dip below freezing shortly.

To cope with the winter demand, the NHS has raised hospital bed capacity, adding an extra 1,301 beds compared to last year. Nevertheless, hospital admissions are still elevated, and daily bed occupancy has increased by 648 compared to the previous year.