The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says it has stepped up nationwide disease surveillance following reports of an international Hantavirus cluster linked to cruise ship travel across several countries.
Speaking in a public health advisory on Friday, May 8, the Director-General of the NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, said there is no confirmed case of the virus in Nigeria, adding that the public risk remains low.
He explained that the advisory was issued in response to growing international concern and the need for heightened vigilance against emerging infectious diseases.
“The event involves a limited number of confirmed and suspected cases associated with the cruise ship, with investigations and contact tracing ongoing. Current reports indicate that the risk to the general public remains low,” Idris said.
According to him, Hantaviruses are primarily carried by rodents and can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodents or exposure to their urine, droppings, saliva, or contaminated dust particles.
He added that symptoms may include fever and gastrointestinal issues, while severe cases can progress to respiratory complications and breathing difficulties.
“While some forms of Hantavirus infection can cause severe illness, the disease remains relatively rare,” he said.
Idris further disclosed that the current outbreak cluster has been linked to the Andes virus strain, which has previously shown limited human-to-human transmission, mainly through close contact.
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He reiterated that Nigeria has not recorded any case of the infection, while assuring that surveillance systems remain active.
“At this time, there is no evidence of Hantavirus cases in Nigeria. NCDC is closely monitoring the situation and maintaining surveillance for emerging infectious diseases,” he stated.
The agency, he noted, has already activated enhanced surveillance measures aimed at preventing possible importation and ensuring early detection of suspected cases.
He urged Nigerians to stay calm but remain alert, especially by taking preventive steps that reduce contact with rodents.
The NCDC advised residents to keep their surroundings clean, avoid rodent infestations, store food properly, dispose of waste safely, avoid contact with rodents and their droppings, and maintain good hand hygiene.
It also recommended the use of protective measures when cleaning areas that may be contaminated by rodents.
“NCDC continues to maintain surveillance systems for epidemic-prone and emerging infectious diseases, most of which are zoonotic and often transmitted by animals such as bats and rodents. We will therefore continue to monitor global developments closely,” Idris added.
The advisory comes as global health authorities monitor emerging infectious disease threats, with experts warning that increased international travel and cross-border movement continue to heighten the risk of rapid spread across countries.