Nigeria Increases Surveillance Amid Spread of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)

In response to the global spread of the recently discovered Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), the Nigerian government has ramped up its surveillance efforts at major international airports to prevent an outbreak. HMPV, first identified in China, has now spread to countries like India, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan, raising international concern.

The UK has seen a significant rise in hospitalizations linked to the virus, with over 5,000 people reported to have been hospitalized recently. However, despite the concerns, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has not yet issued formal guidelines to airlines on necessary checks for passengers arriving from affected countries.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, has directed port health officers to screen arriving passengers for any symptoms of HMPV. Screenings have begun at major airports such as Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. Port health officers are reportedly taking all necessary precautions to ensure that any potential carriers of the virus are identified early.

A source at MMIA reassured that there was no immediate cause for alarm, noting that the Port Health Service is thoroughly screening passengers, especially those arriving from international flights.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has been monitoring the situation closely, collaborating with the Ministry of Health. In its advisory, the NCDC confirmed that it is keeping the public informed and preparing for any potential cases of HMPV. It also dismissed rumors that the World Health Organization (WHO) had declared HMPV a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), stating that the information was false.

International reports indicate that respiratory infections linked to HMPV have been rising, particularly in the UK, where hospitals have seen an increase in flu-related cases. The surge in flu cases, particularly during the winter months, has placed additional pressure on healthcare facilities in countries like the UK, France, and Germany.

In the UK, there has been a significant rise in the number of patients hospitalized with flu, with a marked increase over the Christmas period. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also issued amber cold health alerts, anticipating further pressure on hospitals as temperatures are expected to drop below freezing in the coming days.

As HMPV continues to spread, the Nigerian government has taken a proactive stance to mitigate the risk, ensuring that adequate measures are in place to protect public health.