The Federal Government of Nigeria has intensified surveillance at major international airports across the country to prevent the potential outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), recently detected in China and spreading globally.

Following directives from the Minister of Health, Muhammad Ali Pate, Port Health Officers have commenced passenger screening at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

Though the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is yet to issue an official circular to airlines regarding enhanced checks, authorities have assured the public that no chances are being taken.

“Port Health Officers are actively conducting thorough checks on arriving passengers from foreign flights, and there is no cause for alarm,” a source at MMIA revealed.

The virus, first reported in China, has now spread to India, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Kazakhstan, with over 5,000 hospitalizations reported in the United Kingdom alone. Cases are rising globally, particularly among children under five and elderly individuals in care homes.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed its close monitoring of global developments. Dr. Jide Idris, NCDC’s Director-General, clarified that contrary to rumors, the World Health Organization (WHO) has not declared HMPV a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

“We aim to provide timely, accurate information and guidance to keep Nigerians informed and prepared,” the NCDC stated.

Health experts, including Dr. Francis Ohanyido and Professor Oluwasogo Olalubi, have urged the government to prioritize:

  • Enhanced surveillance systems at airports and healthcare facilities.
  • Public awareness campaigns on hygiene and symptom recognition.
  • Improved healthcare capacity and readiness of laboratories.
  • Emergency preparedness plans with reserves of critical supplies such as PPEs, ventilators, and antiviral drugs.

HMPV is a respiratory virus causing symptoms ranging from mild cold-like effects to severe respiratory infections, especially in:

  • Young children
  • Older adults
  • Immunocompromised individuals

Common Symptoms Include:

  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Nasal congestion
  • Shortness of breath
  • Wheezing

Preventive Measures

The NCDC recommends the following preventive steps:

  1. Frequent handwashing with soap and water.
  2. Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
  3. Avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals.
  4. Regular disinfection of frequently touched surfaces.
  5. Self-isolation if flu-like symptoms appear.

The federal government, alongside the NCDC and health authorities, remains committed to safeguarding public health and preventing the spread of HMPV in Nigeria.

Stakeholders urge citizens to stay informed, adhere to preventive measures, and report any suspected cases promptly.

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