The Federal Government announced on Sunday that it will activate enhanced surveillance measures for passengers arriving from China in response to the surge in cases of a respiratory virus, Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), currently spreading in northern Chinese provinces. Reports indicate that the virus has caused overcrowded hospitals, emergency responses, and widespread public concern in China.
The spike in HMPV cases, especially among children, has drawn attention in neighboring countries, including Cambodia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, where a few isolated cases have been reported. However, there have been no widespread outbreaks in these regions, according to health authorities.
Chinese authorities have confirmed a significant rise in HMPV infections, particularly among children under 14 in the northern regions. Social media posts, showing overcrowded hospitals, have further fueled fears of a larger health crisis. In response, the Chinese government has introduced measures such as widespread monitoring, the use of masks, social distancing, and increased disinfection of public spaces to contain the virus’s spread.
The emergence of this virus comes five years after the global COVID-19 pandemic began, which was declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2020. To date, COVID-19 has infected 777 million people worldwide and caused more than seven million deaths.
While both HMPV and COVID-19 are respiratory illnesses, they differ in their severity. HMPV typically causes milder symptoms similar to the common cold or flu, while COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, can result in more severe complications and long-term effects. HMPV is seasonal, like other cold-causing viruses such as RSV, and is more common during the winter months. It spreads primarily through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing and can also be transmitted via contaminated surfaces.
According to officials from China’s National Health Commission, while respiratory diseases tend to rise during winter, the current HMPV situation is less severe than in previous years. Beijing has downplayed the current outbreak, describing it as part of the usual seasonal pattern.
On the international stage, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has noted that HMPV can cause both upper and lower respiratory tract diseases, with increased risks for young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. The virus spreads through respiratory secretions, close personal contact, and touching contaminated surfaces.
Meanwhile, Nigerian health authorities are taking proactive steps to monitor and manage potential HMPV cases. Dr. John Oladejo, Director of Special Duties at the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), confirmed to The PUNCH that the Federal Government will implement surveillance measures for passengers arriving from China to prevent the spread of the virus.
The WHO, in November 2024, stated that it is closely monitoring the HMPV situation in China, maintaining communication with Chinese authorities. The global health body also issued guidelines for individuals in China to reduce their risk of respiratory illness, including vaccinations against influenza and COVID-19, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and practicing good hygiene and ventilation.
The WHO has not recommended any travel or trade restrictions based on the available information, but it has advised that travelers avoid trips while experiencing respiratory symptoms. If symptoms occur during or after travel, travelers are encouraged to seek medical attention and inform their healthcare providers about their travel history.
HMPV, first identified in Pakistan in 2001, has caused several outbreaks, particularly affecting children. It is now making its way into Africa, where no reported cases had been previously detected. Health experts in Nigeria have stressed the importance of ongoing surveillance to prevent the introduction of the virus into the country.
Dr. Moses Adewumi, a virologist at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, emphasized that surveillance should be a continuous process to detect potential outbreaks early. He noted that while HMPV is not a new virus, its surge may be linked to a new variant, underscoring the need for vigilant monitoring. Dr. Oladipo Kolawole, an Associate Professor at Adeleke University, also praised the government’s decision to activate surveillance, explaining that it would help detect and control the spread of the virus.
In addition to China, HMPV cases have been reported in Hong Kong, Cambodia, and Taiwan. Health officials in these regions have issued warnings, particularly highlighting the risks to children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. In neighboring India, however, officials have downplayed the risks, stating that HMPV is similar to other common respiratory viruses.
As the situation evolves, Nigeria’s focus on increased surveillance and preventive measures will be crucial in ensuring the virus does not spread within the country.
