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NCDC Alerts Against China’s New HMPV

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The Director-General of  the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Dr Jide Idris, says that all ports of entry into Nigeria have been placed on alert against China’s new disease outbreak- the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV).

HMPV  is  a common respiratory virus that can infect people of all ages; the virus, currently circulating in China and other affected regions of the world, can cause illnesses ranging from mild cold-like symptoms to severe respiratory infections, particularly in, young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Giving an update of the current situation in the country,

Idris explained that the agency is closely monitoring the situation and has implemented actions to ensure public health safety.

He explained that on January 6, 2025, the NCDC, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (USCDC), and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), conducted a dynamic risk assessment for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV).

The assessment classified the risk of HMPV in Nigeria as moderate.

This evaluation will inform and guide preparedness efforts, decision-making, and response strategies to mitigate potential impacts.

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US Pauses Chikungunya Vaccine Over Severe Side Effects

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US health authorities have suspended the license for the Ixchiq vaccine against the chikungunya virus following reports of “serious adverse events”, the drug’s French maker said Monday.

Ixchiq is one of just two vaccines approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the mosquito-spread virus, which mainly occurs in tropical and subtropical regions but has recently been discovered to countries worldwide.

French company Valneva obtained US approval for the vaccine in 2023, but reports of side effects have prompted reviews in particular over its use in older patients, including by the European Medicines Agency this year.

“The suspension of the license is effective immediately,” Valneva said of the FDA order issued Friday, citing four additional cases of serious side effects, three of which involved people aged 70 to 82.

“As we determine potential next steps, and as the clear threat of chikungunya continues to escalate globally, Valneva remains fully committed to maintaining access to our vaccine as a global health tool,” chief executive Thomas Lingelbach said in a statement.

Public health experts say chikungunya could be a potential future pandemic threat as climate change pushes the mosquitoes that spread it into new regions.

The symptoms are similar to those of dengue fever and Zika virus, with high fever and severe joint pain that is often debilitating and varies in duration.

Chikungunya is rarely fatal, though there is an increased risk of death for babies and the elderly.

In July, the World Health Organization warned of the risks of a major chikungunya epidemic, calling for urgent action.

The agency said it was picking up the same early warning signs as in a major outbreak two decades ago, which swept across the Indian Ocean before spreading globally and affecting almost half a million people.

So far this year, Europe has seen 27 chikungunya outbreaks, a new record for the continent, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control said this month.

AFP

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US Reports First Human Case of Flesh-Eating Screwworm

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The United States has confirmed its first human case of New World screwworm, a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on living flesh, in a Maryland resident recently returned from El Salvador, where an outbreak is ongoing.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the patient began showing symptoms shortly after returning and was diagnosed on August 4, 2025.

“Screwworm larvae literally eat living tissue, which can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening infections if not treated promptly,” said CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky. She urged travelers to seek immediate medical care if symptoms appear after visiting affected areas.

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) confirmed the case on August 24, 2025, emphasizing close monitoring of travel-related risks and coordination with Central American health agencies. “We are taking this very seriously and working to prevent any further spread,” said HHS spokesperson Dr. Anthony Fauci.

While screwworm infections are more common in livestock, causing severe damage and economic losses, human cases are rare but dangerous. Dr. Jose Ortega, senior USDA veterinary official, explained the larvae burrow into live tissue, creating deep wounds difficult to treat.

In response, the USDA is building a sterile fly facility in Texas and has temporarily halted cattle imports from Mexico to control the pest’s spread. Mexico is also expanding its sterile fly operations, as Panama’s current facility is insufficient for the ongoing outbreak moving north from Central America.

No animal cases have been confirmed in the US this year, but experts stress that even a single human infection highlights the need for vigilance. “Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent serious consequences, both for public health and agriculture,” Walensky added.

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Chinese Scientists Developing Pregnancy Robots

Dr Zhang Qifeng, who founded the company IT Kaiwa Technology, said the robot will replicate the entire process from conception to delivery where the sperm and egg will be fertilised inside the robot then it will grow to term 9 months later.

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Scientists in China are developing the world’s first life size ‘pregnancy robot’ capable of carrying a baby to term and giving birth.

Dr Zhang Qifeng, who founded IT Kaiwa Technology, said the robot will replicate the entire process from conception to delivery where the sperm and egg will be fertilised inside the robot then it will grow to term 9 months later.

The robot aims to offer a pregnancy alternative for women who wish to avoid the burdens of pregnancy and the dramatic changes it makes to woman’s body.

The robot will be equipped with an artificial womb that receives nutrients through a hose.

It is expected to be released next year, with a selling price of around US $13,555.

Feminist activists have been strongly opposed to the use of artificial wombs because it could lead to the ‘end of women’.’

The real question now is, will men, once the artificial womb is perfected, want to keep women around? How would the baby feel the emotions and the bond between mother and child?

(Facebook)

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