Nigeria Increases Checks on Travellers from China Due to Virus Outbreak

The Federal Government announced on Sunday that it would closely watch and possibly quarantine passengers from China due to a recent outbreak of a respiratory virus, as hospitals in China are becoming very crowded.

The virus, called Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), has caused a lot of cases this winter, especially among children in northern China. Neighbouring countries like Cambodia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong are watching the situation carefully, although they haven’t seen major outbreaks.

Chinese officials have seen more HMPV cases, especially in children under 14. Social media posts showing crowded hospitals have made people worried about a bigger health crisis. China is now watching the situation closely, asking people to wear masks, keep their distance, and clean public places often.

Comparison to COVID-19 

This new virus outbreak comes five years after the COVID-19 outbreak that started in Wuhan, China. Since then, COVID-19 has infected 777 million people worldwide and caused over seven million deaths.

HMPV and COVID-19 are both viruses that affect the respiratory system, but they are different. HMPV usually causes milder symptoms like a cold or flu and is most common in winter. It spreads through droplets from coughing or sneezing and from touching surfaces that have the virus on them.

Despite the increase in cases, the overall situation this year is not as severe as last year, say China’s health officials. China has started a new program to better track pneumonia that doesn’t have a known cause.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that HMPV can cause respiratory diseases in people of all ages, but it’s especially serious for young children, older adults, and people with weak immune systems. Symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath, and it can lead to more serious illnesses like bronchitis or pneumonia.

Nigeria’s Response 

In Nigeria, health authorities are quickly acting to watch and control the spread of HMPV. Dr John Oladejo, from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, said it’s important to watch people coming from China closely.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is keeping an eye on the situation and talking with Chinese authorities. It recommends general safety measures like getting vaccinated, staying away from sick people, staying home when sick, and washing hands regularly. WHO advises against any travel or trade restrictions based on the current information.