To COMBAT the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak that was recently identified in China, the Nigerian federal government has increased surveillance at the country’s main international airports.
According to information obtained by Daily Trust yesterday, port health staff have been instructed by Health Minister Muhammad Ali Pate to start screening incoming travelers for any signs of the virus.
According to our correspondent, screening has started at both the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja and the Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), however, has not yet released a circular specifically informing airlines of the necessity of doing the required passenger inspections.
However, an MMIA source stated, “There is no need for concern because we are not taking any chances and the Port Health Service has been ordered to begin inspecting the passengers. As foreign airline passengers enter the nation, the Port Health Officers are properly screening them.
As you may remember, Nigeria reported its first confirmed case of COVID-19 in 2020. The individual in question was a 44-year-old Italian citizen who had traveled from Milan, Italy, to MMIA on a Turkish airline at approximately 10 p.m. on February 24, 2020.
Michael Achimugu, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, agreed to respond to our inquiry yesterday regarding the NCAA’s actions. As at the time of writing, he had not yet done so.
The virus spreads to Malaysia, India, and other places.
Concern over the new virus’s spread has been widespread.
As of yesterday, it was reported that the virus had spread to Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and India.
The situation is being monitored by neighboring nations.
According to recent reports, the virus has caused over 5,000 hospital admissions in the UK.
Over the weekend, the first HMPV case was reported, and the number is reportedly on the rise.
According to specialists, the increase in instances is consistent with seasonal trends and is correlated with lower temperatures and more indoor activity, both of which are known to promote the transmission of respiratory viruses.
According to the UK Independent, the UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) weekly National flu and COVID-19 surveillance report revealed that rates of HMPV had marginally climbed to 4.5%, indicating that cases are also on the rise in the UK.
According to the research, the highest positive rate was 10% among children aged five and under.
We’re keeping an eye on world events – NCDC
In a statement released yesterday and signed by its Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) stated that it was closely observing world events in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The statement reads: “Our goal is to keep the Nigerian public informed and ready by offering timely, accurate information and guidance.”
The organization stated that the rumor that HMPV has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO) is untrue and is to be ignored.
“The WHO hasn’t said anything like that. According to recent reports, the number of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in China has significantly grown, and there has also been a surge in HMPV-related respiratory infections in the UK, France, and Germany, especially during the winter months.
Hospital admissions for HMPV-related problems have significantly increased, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), particularly for older persons living in care facilities and children under five. The NCDC stated that this trend highlights the necessity of increased readiness and attention to detail.
Nigeria is tasked by experts with being vigilant and prepared.
In an interview with Daily Trust yesterday, experts urged Nigeria to be vigilant and to be ready for the sickness early.
Nigerian and African governments should be alert and aggressive in planning for the possible spread of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) outside of China, said Dr. Francis Ohanyido, Director-General, West African Institute of Public Health.
“We cannot afford to be caught off guard again, as we have seen the devastating impact of COVID-19,” he stated.
Governments must act quickly to improve surveillance and monitoring, start public awareness and education campaigns, increase healthcare capacity, encourage vaccination and infection control, encourage research and cooperation, and create emergency preparedness plans, he said, in order to reduce the risks.
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Building on previous insights learned from the early implementation of community health literacy initiatives for COVID-19 and Ebola, he added, should be the cornerstone of all interventions.
“We can safeguard our citizens’ health and well-being and stop the spread of HMPV by implementing these proactive measures,” he stated. Together, let’s put public health and safety first.
Additionally, the federal government needs quick, coordinated, and adaptable action to get ready to contain the viral epidemic, according to Professor Oluwasogo Olalubi of the Department of Public Health at Kwara State University in Malete.
Emerging viruses, which frequently have little information on how they spread, how serious they are, or how to cure them, pose special difficulties, he said. However, early planning—which includes bolstering and expanding our labs—is essential.
He also underlined the importance of raising awareness and using technology, such as phones and Google Maps, to spread the word via SMS.
“Clear communication strategies are vital,” he stated. This include teaching people how to maintain good hygiene, identify symptoms, and know when and where to get medical attention.
For early detection, we need a robust surveillance system that includes reporting and monitoring from hospitals, clinics, labs, and airports. It’s crucial to keep an eye on wet markets and places where people and animals interact.
According to the expert, the federal government should continue to keep supplies of vital equipment including ventilators, oxygen, antiviral medications, and personal protective equipment (PPE) in stock.
“Although vaccines and antivirals may not be available for new diseases initially, preparedness includes the development of platforms (e.g., mRNA vaccines) that can be adapted quickly.
He said once initial cases are detected, the immediate goal is to isolate infected individuals and their contacts to limit further transmission.
He added that there may also be a need to Implement travel restrictions or enhanced screening at airports or border points to contain the virus’s spread.
Information about HMPV
It is a respiratory virus that can cause illnesses ranging from mild cold-like symptoms to severe respiratory infections, particularly in young children, older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems.
The symptoms are cough, fever nasal congestion, shortness of breath, wheezing, bronchitis or pneumonia (in vulnerable populations such as very young children, older people, patients with low immunity such and those on cancer treatment, uncontrolled diabetes etc).
The incubation period is 3-5 days after exposure, and infections typically resolve within 2-5 days with supportive care.
Preventive measures
To reduce the risk of HMPV infection, NCDC advised the public to follow these preventive steps:
For the General Public:
Hand Hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Respiratory Etiquette: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing. Cover your mouth an nose with face mask if you are experiencing flu like symptoms.
Avoid Close Contact: Maintain distance from individuals showing symptoms of respiratory illness.
Avoid overcrowded places.
Disinfect Surfaces: Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Self-Isolation: Stay home if experiencing symptoms to prevent spreading the virus. As is correct parctice and seek medical care from appropriate sources.
Protecting Vulnerable Groups:
Young children, older adults, and individuals with underlying health conditions such as people with chronic diseases such as diabetes, on cancer treatment, immunocompromised patients or those with low immunity should seek prompt medical attention if experiencing severe symptoms.
