The Nigerian Government has activated surveillance measures to prevent the spread of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak in China.

The virus has led to overcrowded hospitals, emergency measures, and public concerns in China, particularly among children under 14 years old.

In a chat with Punch, Director, Special Duties, Office of the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, John Oladejo, “The FG will activate surveillance measures, like quarantine, for passengers coming in from China.”

Medical experts who also spoke to the platform commended the government’s decision, emphasizing the importance of continuous surveillance to prevent the spread of the virus.

A virologist, Moses Adewumi, noted, “Surveillance should be an ongoing process carried out continuously by the government. The government should be more involved in surveillance because most of the surveillance and all the research we do is funded by foreign bodies.”

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Oladipo Kolawole, an Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases and Genomics in the Department of Microbiology at the Adeleke University, Osun State, noted that the decision by the government to implement surveillance measures was a good one, adding that, “The government is likely to enhance screening processes at points of entry and provide guidelines for travellers from China, this is to mitigate risks associated with HMPV.

“Activating surveillance allows for the early detection of cases, which is essential in managing outbreaks effectively. Monitoring travellers from regions experiencing outbreaks can help identify and isolate cases before they spread within the community.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) has also recommended measures to reduce the risk of respiratory illness, including getting vaccinated against influenza, COVID-19, and other respiratory pathogens, keeping distance from people who are ill, staying home when ill, and practicing regular handwashing.

The HMPV outbreak in China has sparked concerns globally, with neighboring countries such as Hong Kong, Cambodia, and Taiwan reporting cases.

The virus is believed to have caused several outbreaks in Pakistan since its detection in 2001.

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