FG to quarantine passengers from China amid virus surge

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to implement surveillance measures for inbound passengers from China, following a surge in respiratory virus cases attributed to the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV).

This decision comes in response to reports of overcrowded hospitals, emergency interventions, and growing public concern in China, where HMPV cases have spiked across northern provinces, particularly affecting children during the winter season.

The Nigerian authorities aim to monitor the situation closely to prevent potential spread within the country.

Neighboring nations such as Cambodia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong are also taking precautionary measures, though they have reported only a few cases and no widespread outbreaks thus far.

Health experts describe HMPV as a respiratory virus that can cause symptoms ranging from mild cold-like issues to severe complications, especially in children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.

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.

READ ALSO:

• Delta resident stabs man to death for insulting his mother
• Ukraine launches new offensive in Russia’s Kursk
• El-Rufai speaks on report of defection to PDP

The new virus outbreak is coming five years after the emergence of a novel coronavirus – COVID-19 – in Wuhan, China, which was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organisation on March 11, 2020.

So far, COVID-19 has infected 777 million people globally and killed over seven million, according to WHO.

However, while both HMPV and COVID-19 are respiratory illnesses, there are important differences. HMPV typically causes milder symptoms such as a cold or flu, while COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, can lead to more severe health complications and long-term effects.

HMPV is also a seasonal virus, similar to other cold-causing pathogens like RSV, and infections usually peak during the winter months. HMPV, like COVID-19, spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes and it can also spread via contaminated surfaces.

However, officials from the National Health Commission stated that while respiratory diseases are expected to rise during the winter months, the overall situation this year is less severe than last year.

Beijing also downplayed the developments as an annual winter occurrence.

China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Friday, “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,” she said.

A pilot programme was launched by China to track pneumonia of unknown origin, ensuring labs and health agencies reported and managed cases more effectively, state broadcaster CCTV reported, quoting an administration official at a news conference.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said HMPV could cause upper and lower respiratory diseases in people of all ages, especially among young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

READ ALSO:

• Delta Gov Oborevwori under fire for hobnobbing with APC
• Why Fubara can do business with three lawmakers – Court
• As Hamas, Israel quarrel over talks, Israeli intensifies strikes in Gaza

The U.S CDC noted that HMPV is most likely spread from an infected person to others through secretions from coughing and sneezing, close personal contact and touching objects or surfaces that have the viruses on them, then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.

“Symptoms commonly associated with HMPV include cough, fever, nasal congestion and shortness of breath. Clinical symptoms of HMPV infection may progress to bronchitis or pneumonia and are similar to other viruses that cause upper and lower respiratory infections. The estimated incubation period is three to six days, and the median duration of illness can vary, depending upon severity but is similar to other respiratory infections caused by viruses,” the US CDC stated.

Meanwhile, health authorities in Nigeria are already implementing emergency measures to monitor and manage the spread of the HMPV.

The Director, Special Duties, Office of the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr John Oladejo, told The PUNCH on Sunday 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,” Dr Oladejo said.

Earlier in November 2024, global health body WHO noted that it was closely monitoring the situation and was in close contact with national authorities in China, adding that it would continue to provide updates as warranted.

Based on the available information, WHO recommended that people in China followed measures to reduce the risk of respiratory illness, which include recommended vaccines against influenza, COVID-19 and other respiratory pathogens as appropriate; keeping distance from people who are ill; staying home when ill; getting tested and medical care as needed; wearing masks as appropriate; ensuring good ventilation; and practicing regular handwashing.

“WHO does not recommend any specific measures for travellers to China. In general, persons should avoid travel while experiencing symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, if possible; in case of symptoms during or after travel, travellers are encouraged to seek medical attention and share travel history with their health care provider.

READ ALSO:

• WAEC announces resit exams for candidates from Jan/Feb 2025
• Hamas lists 34 hostages it may free under ceasefire
• Bandits demand N10m ransom to release abducted Kogi varsity lecturer

“WHO advises against the application of any travel or trade restrictions based on the current information available on this event,” the body added.

First detected in Pakistan in 2001, the HMPV has caused several outbreaks over the years in the Asian nation, primarily affecting children, but the virus is new to Africa as there haven’t been reported cases on the continent.

“Human Metapneumovirus was first identified in Pakistan in 2001, and outbreaks have been reported since then,” an official at the National Institute of Health, Islamabad, said.

“In 2015, a study conducted at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences found 21 cases of HMPV in children hospitalised with severe lower respiratory tract infections.”

Meanwhile, medical experts have stated that implementing surveillance measures against the virus was a crucial and appropriate step in ensuring that it doesn’t spread to the country.

They emphasised that surveillance should be an ongoing process carried out continuously by the government.

A virologist at the Department of Virology, College of Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Dr Moses Adewumi said, “On good day, surveillance should always be part of us. What happens most times is that despite the amount that was voted for COVID-19, we seem to have relaxed. Our people are more interested in spending the money, and after that, we probably decide to go to sleep. So, the surveillance should be a continuous thing.

“It is good that we increase our surveillance for people coming into the country, especially from China, Japan and other places, where we have the outbreaks. The government should be more involved in surveillance because most of the surveillance and all the research we do is funded by foreign bodies, so our own government should be more interested in research, in surveillance for all these viruses.

“The virus is not new but the surge may be because there is a different variant, and that is why we need to increase our surveillance and monitor it closely to curtail its introduction into the country. Experience has taught us that if we check now, we may have our people with antibodies already, and that’s a confirmation that it’s likely that this is circulating here, maybe not the exact variants that they have now.”

Also, an Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases and Genomics in the Department of Microbiology at the Adeleke University, Osun State, Oladipo Kolawole, noted that the decision by the government to implement surveillance measures was a good one, adding that it aimed to monitor and control the potential spread of the virus, ensuring public health safety as the situation developed.

Kolawole said, “The government is likely to enhance screening processes at points of entry and provide guidelines for travellers from China, this is to mitigate risks associated with HMPV. Activating surveillance allows for the early detection of cases, which is essential in managing outbreaks effectively. Monitoring travellers from regions experiencing outbreaks can help identify and isolate cases before they spread within the community.

“Also, quarantine for inbound passengers from the affected regions can significantly reduce the risk of transmission. It serves as a precautionary measure to ensure that individuals who may be infected do not unknowingly spread the virus to others. Finally, this situation underscores the importance of preparedness in public health systems.”

Meanehile, Hong Kong has reported a few cases of HMPV following the outbreak in China while Cambodia’s Communicable Disease Control Department issued warnings about the virus, noting its similarity to COVID-19 and influenza.

Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control said the virus poses higher risks for children, the elderly and immuno-compromised individuals.

In neighbouring India, officials said there was no need for panic as HMPV is “like any other respiratory virus.”

FG to quarantine passengers from China amid virus surge

(Punch)

US issues new advisory linking alcohol to cancer

The United States’ Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, has issued a public advisory emphasizing the significant link between alcohol consumption and cancer.

Released Friday, the guidance is based on research identifying alcohol as a contributor to at least seven types of cancer.

According to the advisory, alcohol increases the likelihood of developing cancers of the throat, liver, esophagus, mouth, larynx, colon, and rectum. It further identifies alcohol as the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the U.S., following tobacco use and obesity.

“Alcohol is a well-established, preventable cause of cancer responsible for about 100,000 cases of cancer and 20,000 cancer deaths annually in the United States – greater than the 13,500 alcohol-associated traffic crash fatalities per year in the U.S. – yet the majority of Americans are unaware of this risk,” Dr. Murthy stated. “This Advisory lays out steps we can all take to increase awareness of alcohol’s cancer risk and minimize harm.”

How Alcohol Contributes to Cancer
The advisory outlines four primary mechanisms by which alcohol increases cancer risk:

Acetaldehyde Exposure: Alcohol breaks down into acetaldehyde, a chemical that can damage DNA and elevate cancer risk.

Oxidative Stress: Alcohol triggers oxidative stress, harming DNA, proteins, and cells while causing inflammation.
Hormonal Changes: Alcohol alters hormone levels, such as estrogen, which has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.

READ ALSO:

• Edo LG chairman, 8 councillors, defect to APC
• Ghana President Akufo-Addo’s address disrupted as ADC collapses (Video)
• Vegas Tesla blast suspect shot himself in head – Officials

The advisory notes that more than 16% of breast cancer cases are associated with alcohol use.
Enhanced Absorption: Alcohol facilitates conditions that allow it to be absorbed more readily, compounding its risks.

The advisory also emphasizes that individual risk is influenced by a combination of biological, environmental, social, and economic factors.

Steps to Mitigate Risk
Dr. Murthy’s recommendations include adding warning labels to alcoholic beverages highlighting the cancer risk and reassessing guidelines on alcohol consumption limits. He encourages individuals to make informed decisions about their alcohol intake and calls on healthcare professionals to educate the public about the risks.

“Too many Americans are living with an outdated assumption that some amount of alcohol is not only harmless, but also good for you,” the advisory warns.

Expert Reactions
Dr. Marc Siegel, a clinical professor at NYU Langone Health, supported the advisory’s findings. “Increasing evidence shows that [alcohol being harmless] isn’t true,” he told Fox News Digital.

Dr. Siegel noted that alcohol, often viewed as a stress-reliever, is a “proven toxin” with clear links to diseases of the liver, heart, and brain. While traditional guidelines suggest moderate drinking—up to one drink daily for women and two for men—Siegel pointed out, “In fact, no amount of alcohol is healthy.”

The pandemic further complicated the issue, with alcohol consumption rising by 25% during periods of heightened stress and isolation.

“The timing of this advisory is right on the mark,” Dr. Siegel added, stressing the need for a public shift in understanding alcohol’s risks.

US issues new advisory linking alcohol to cancer

(FOX NEWS)

ABU Teaching Hospital will begin kidney transplant in 2025 – CMD

The Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) Zaria is set to begin kidney transplant surgeries in 2025, aiming to provide relief to patients with kidney failure and reduce medical tourism.

Prof. Ahmed Umdagas, the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, revealed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Zaria.

He announced that the Urology Centre of Excellence, which will deliver advanced urology services, is expected to be operational by the first quarter of 2025.

“By the first quarter of 2025, ABUTH would commence kidney transplant. What was just holding us was a few infrastructure,” Umdagas said.

He added that most of the required machines and equipment are already in place, and personnel have been adequately trained to deliver the services.

Umdagas stated that the Urology Centre of Excellence at ABUTH would be ready by the first quarter of 2025 to deliver high-quality urology services.

“By the first quarter of 2025, ABUTH will commence kidney transplants. What has been holding us back is a few infrastructure upgrades,” he said.

READ ALSO:

• Nigeria gets World Bank $1.5bn loan
• S’Korea orders probe after deadly plane crash
• Oldest ex-US President Jimmy Carter dies at 100

He added, “Besides that, most of the machines and equipment required for kidney transplants are available, and our personnel have been adequately trained to provide the services.” 

Amenity wing for enhanced patient care 

Umdagas also revealed plans for an Amenity Wing, designed to accommodate patients from all classes.

According to him, the Amenity Wing will feature a single-bedroom and a room-and-parlor option for affluent patients, emphasizing that ABUTH is committed to offering world-class services.

“The Amenity Wing will have a dedicated line and a website,” Umdagas explained. “The website will showcase the profiles of doctors in the hospital. When a patient wants to see a specific professor or specialist, they will simply need to use the dedicated line or the website to book an appointment seamlessly.” 

Cutting costs for imaging services 

Similarly, the Chief Medical Director (CMD)  also disclosed that a contract has been awarded for the procurement of linear machines to enhance cancer care at the facility.

Speaking on additional efforts to curb medical tourism, the CMD highlighted that ABUTH boasts a fully functional 128 Slice CT Scan machine.

He explained, “If you undergo an investigation abroad requiring the 128 Slice CT Scan, it costs no less than $200, which is over N300,000. Meanwhile, ABUTH charges just N30,000 for the same service.” 

Advanced imaging and lithotripsy services 

The CMD noted that many patients now come to ABUTH for scans, take the results abroad, and continue their treatments there.

“We also have 1.5 Tesla MRI and 0.2 Tesla MRI machines, which are advanced imaging technologies. These machines are fully functional, and the cost for such services at ABUTH is significantly lower than what is charged elsewhere in Nigeria.” , He said.

He added, “We also perform lithotripsy at ABUTH, which involves breaking stones using lasers instead of surgery.” 

IVF milestones and future plans 

Umdagas further shared that the hospital had celebrated over five successful IVF cases in collaboration with its partners.

He revealed plans to establish a dedicated unit for IVF services in future budgets, ensuring all necessary equipment is housed in one facility.

ABU Teaching Hospital will begin kidney transplant in 2025 – CMD