The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has intensified disease surveillance measures across the country following growing international concern over a recent Hantavirus outbreak linked to cruise ship travel involving multiple countries.
Director-General of the NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, disclosed this in a public health advisory issued on Friday, reassuring Nigerians that there are currently no confirmed cases of Hantavirus in the country. According to him, the overall risk to the Nigerian public remains low, but authorities are maintaining heightened vigilance due to the increasing global attention surrounding the outbreak.
Idris explained that the advisory became necessary as health agencies worldwide continue to monitor the evolving situation and strengthen preparedness against emerging infectious diseases capable of spreading across borders through international travel.
The current outbreak reportedly involves a limited number of confirmed and suspected cases connected to a cruise ship cluster, with investigations and contact tracing efforts still ongoing across affected countries. While the outbreak has triggered concern among global health authorities, early assessments indicate that the wider public health risk remains relatively low.
According to the NCDC boss, Hantaviruses are primarily transmitted through rodents and can infect humans through exposure to infected rodents, their urine, saliva, droppings, or contaminated dust particles. He noted that individuals may become infected while cleaning rodent-infested areas or through prolonged exposure to contaminated environments.
Symptoms of Hantavirus infection typically include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal complications. In more severe cases, the disease can progress to serious respiratory problems and breathing difficulties, which may require urgent medical attention.
Although some forms of the infection can cause severe illness, Idris emphasized that Hantavirus remains relatively rare globally. He added that the current outbreak has been associated with the Andes virus strain, a variant previously known for demonstrating limited human-to-human transmission, particularly through close contact.
Despite the international developments, Idris maintained that Nigeria has not recorded any confirmed case of Hantavirus at this time. However, he stated that the NCDC has activated enhanced surveillance systems nationwide as part of preventive measures aimed at ensuring early detection and rapid response should any suspected case emerge.
The agency also urged Nigerians to remain calm while adopting precautionary health measures designed to reduce contact with rodents and contaminated environments. Residents were advised to maintain clean surroundings, properly store food items, safely dispose of refuse, and take steps to prevent rodent infestations in homes and workplaces.
In addition, the NCDC recommended that people avoid direct contact with rodents and their droppings, maintain proper hand hygiene, and use protective equipment when cleaning areas suspected to be contaminated by rodents.
Idris noted that the NCDC continues to monitor epidemic-prone and emerging infectious diseases, many of which are zoonotic in nature and transmitted through animals such as rodents and bats. He said the agency remains committed to closely tracking global health developments and strengthening Nigeria’s preparedness systems against potential outbreaks.
The latest advisory comes amid increasing concerns among global health experts over the growing risk of cross-border disease transmission fueled by international travel and rising global mobility. Health authorities worldwide continue to emphasize the importance of early surveillance, rapid response systems, and public awareness in preventing the spread of emerging infectious diseases.
