The Federal Government has disclosed that that it would activate surveillance measures for inbound passengers from China following the current surge of a respiratory virus.
The virus has led to overcrowded hospitals, emergency measures and public concerns in China.
The virus, attributed to the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), 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.
Health authorities in Nigeria are already implementing emergency measures to monitor and manage the spread of the HMPV.
Speaking to Punch on Sunday, the Director, Special Duties, Office of the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, John Oladejo, revealed that the Federal Government would implement preventive measures by activating surveillance measures to curb the spread of the virus
“The FG will activate surveillance measures, like quarantine, for passengers coming in from China,” Oladejo said.
