…As FG moves to stop disease
By Damilola Michael
The virus is referred to as Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). It is a single-stranded Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) virus with signs similar to common cold and influenza.
The spread of a respiratory virus is currently hitting China.
The first case of the virus was reported in 2001 in the Netherlands. Since then, it has increased across northern Chinese provinces during the winter season.
The symptoms of HMPV include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and fatigue, with an incubation timeline of three to six days with complications such as pneumonia in infants, elderly, and individuals having weakened immune systems.
It also spreads via respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces.
FG emplaces moves to stop disease
Meanwhile, while the World Health Organisation (WHO) is yet to declare the virus a global concern or emergency as of the time of this report, the Federal Government has assured Nigerians that it would begin surveillance measures for inbound passengers from China.
The Director, Special Duties, Office of the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr John Oladejo stated this as part of efforts to prevent the spread of the virus into the country.
He said, “The FG will activate surveillance measures, like quarantine, for passengers coming in from China.”
The new wave of the HMPV in China comes after countries of the world were faced with Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, which killed seven million people across the world.
Medical centres in China are now faced with an increase in patients with symptoms of the HMPV, with health practitioners in the country taking steps to contain its spread.
China’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, stated last Friday that the virus is less serious than the COVID-19 virus.
He said, “Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season.
“The diseases appear to be less severe and spread with a smaller scale compared to the previous year.”
As of the time of this report, the World Health Organisation (WHO) is yet to declare the virus a global concern or emergency.
Report written by Damilola Michael.
