In response to the recent outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in northern China, the Nigerian government has heightened border checks for passengers arriving from the country. HMPV, a respiratory virus, has been primarily affecting children under the age of 24 and causes symptoms such as fever, cough, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath.
The outbreak has caused hospitals in China to become overcrowded, prompting the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) to announce stricter monitoring measures. Dr. John Oladejo of the NCDC stated that the agency is prepared to enforce quarantine protocols for travelers from the affected regions if necessary.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended vaccination, improved ventilation, and proper hygiene as essential steps to prevent the spread of HMPV.
Meanwhile, two cases of HMPV have also been reported in Bengaluru, India. An eight-month-old child tested positive for the virus, which has been linked to a rise in respiratory illnesses in China. The Union Health Ministry confirmed the cases, though details on the virus strain remain unclear due to limited data.