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Nigeria tightens monitoring for passengers from China due to the outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus affecting children. The government has implemented surveillance measures, including quarantine. HMPV is spreading in northern China, with no reported cases in Nigeria yet. The World Health Organization is closely monitoring the situation.

The Nigerian government has heightened its monitoring of passengers arriving from China due to the recent outbreak of a new respiratory virus, Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), which has been causing alarm in the country. The virus, primarily affecting children, has spread across northern China, overwhelming hospitals and raising concerns about a potential health crisis. In response, the Nigerian government, through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), has activated surveillance measures, including quarantine protocols for travelers coming from China.

While countries like Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Cambodia have reported minimal cases, Nigeria is taking proactive steps to prevent the virus from entering the country. The World Health Organization has been closely monitoring the situation and advises China to implement public health measures, including mask-wearing and regular hand washing.

HMPV, a virus identified in 2001, has been responsible for respiratory infections similar to the flu or cold, causing symptoms like cough, fever, and shortness of breath. Although its symptoms are typically less severe than COVID-19, it can develop into bronchitis or pneumonia. The Nigerian government’s decision to intensify monitoring is seen as a precautionary measure to keep the population safe. As of now, there have been no confirmed cases of HMPV in Nigeria, but the government is taking no chances by closely watching passengers and enforcing strict health protocols.