NEW VIRUS: NIGERIAN FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS SET TO QUARANTINE PASSENGERS, TAKES MEASURES TO PREVENT SPREAD

By Olayiwola Ibrahim // In a bid to fight the spread of current surge of a respiratory virus from China, the Federal Government of Nigeria, is set to activate surveillance measures for inbound passengers from China into Nigeria.

Reports indicate that the virus has led to overcrowded hospitals, emergency measures and public concerns in China.

The virus, attributed to the Human Metapneumovirus, has seen cases spiking across northern Chinese provinces this winter, particularly among children.

Neighbouring countries such as Cambodia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong are closely monitoring the HMPV situation, having reported a few cases but no widespread outbreaks, according to reports.

According to Chinese authorities, there has been a noticeable increase in HMPV cases, especially among children under 14 years old in northern parts of the country.

Social media posts, accompanied by videos of overcrowded hospitals, have sparked fears of a larger-scale health crisis.

In response to the rising cases, the Chinese government announced measures, including constant monitoring of cases, the adoption of masks, social distancing and disinfection of public spaces to curb the increase of the virus.