Nigeria to Implement Surveillance Measures for Inbound Passengers from China Amid Respiratory Virus Surge
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to activate surveillance measures for inbound passengers from China due to a recent surge in a respiratory virus, which has caused overcrowded hospitals and heightened public concern in China.
The virus, identified as the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), has seen a significant rise in cases across northern Chinese provinces this winter, particularly affecting children. The spike in cases has led to emergency measures, including increased hospitalizations and public health warnings.
Countries in the region, including Cambodia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, are also monitoring the situation closely, reporting isolated cases of HMPV without any widespread outbreaks.
Chinese health authorities have confirmed a sharp increase in HMPV infections, especially among children under 14 years old, in the northern regions of the country. Social media has been flooded with videos showing overcrowded hospitals, raising concerns over a potential larger-scale health crisis.
In response, the Chinese government has introduced several public health measures, including constant monitoring, mask mandates, social distancing, and the disinfection of public spaces to curb the spread of the virus.
To protect public health, Nigerian authorities are implementing emergency measures to track and manage the potential spread of HMPV. John Oladejo, Director of Special Duties at the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), confirmed on Sunday that the Federal Government would initiate surveillance measures, including quarantine protocols, for passengers arriving from China.
