Following the recent outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in northern China, the federal government has tightened border checks on passengers arriving from China.
HMPV is a respiratory virus which causes fever, cough, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. Children under 24 have been those primarily affected.
The development has led to overcrowded hospitals in China, with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) disclosing stricter monitoring measures.
NCDC’s Dr John Oladejo revealed: “Our team is prepared to implement necessary quarantine protocols for travellers from affected regions if the need arises.”
Speaking on ways to check the virus, the World Health Organization (WHO) stated: “Vaccination, improved ventilation, and proper hygiene are essential steps in mitigating the spread of HMPV.”
HMPV reported in India
Two HMPV cases were reported in Bengaluru, India on Monday, with confirmation that the illness is responsible for the spike in respiratory ailments in China.
According to News 18, an eight-month-old child in Bengaluru tested positive for HMPV. Additionally, India Today reported that two cases were detected at the Bengaluru hospital.
The reports were confirmed by the Union Health Ministry on Monday.
“The reports have come from a private hospital, and we have no reason to doubt the tests of the private hospital.
“We don’t know what strain of virus this is yet because we don’t have data on the strain of the virus detected in China,” sources revealed to India Today.
Source: Daily Sun
