The Federal Government has placed Lagos on high alert following a global advisory from the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding a rise in respiratory infections across the Northern Hemisphere.
The WHO emphasized the need for member states to maintain surveillance for respiratory pathogens using an integrated approach tailored to local contexts, priorities, and resources. It advised against imposing travel or trade restrictions related to the current trends in acute respiratory infections.
According to data from the China CDC, shared up to December 29, 2024, there has been an expected seasonal rise in acute respiratory infections, including those caused by seasonal influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and human metapneumovirus (hMPV). WHO noted that influenza remains the leading cause of respiratory illness across most age groups, except children aged 5-14 years, where Mycoplasma pneumoniae shows the highest positivity rate.
The SARS-CoV-2 virus, while currently exhibiting low activity, has seen an increase in severe COVID-19 cases. The predominant variant circulating globally is XDV and its sublineages, accounting for 59.1% of detected cases in sequenced samples.
In China, influenza-like illness (ILI) activity has been on the rise in both northern and southern provinces, following seasonal patterns. However, southern provinces report lower activity than the past two years, while northern regions show similar levels to previous winters.
WHO highlighted that China’s healthcare system remains stable, with no emergency declarations or overwhelming hospitalizations reported. Authorities have been proactive in disseminating health messages to mitigate the spread of respiratory infections and minimize their impact.
WHO stressed that the observed rise in acute respiratory infections is typical for the winter season and aligns with patterns in temperate climates. However, the co-circulation of multiple respiratory pathogens could pose additional strain on health systems.
In light of these developments, the Nigerian government is prioritizing Lagos, urging the public to adhere to preventive measures to curb the spread of respiratory infections during this peak season.
