Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has intensified nationwide disease surveillance following reports of a Hantavirus infection cluster connected to international cruise ship travel involving several countries.
Dr Jide Idris, director-general, NCDC, in a public health advisory, confirmed that Nigeria has not recorded any confirmed Hantavirus case and stated that the overall public health risk remains low.
According to the agency, the reported outbreak currently involves a limited number of confirmed and suspected infections linked to cruise ship exposure, while international investigations and contact tracing efforts continue.
The NCDC explained that the advisory was released to strengthen national preparedness and encourage vigilance against emerging infectious diseases amid growing global concern surrounding the outbreak.
Health authorities noted that Hantaviruses are mainly transmitted through exposure to infected rodents, their urine, saliva, droppings, or contaminated dust particles. Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, gastrointestinal illness, and in severe cases, respiratory complications.
The current outbreak has reportedly been associated with the Andes virus strain, which has shown limited human-to-human transmission through close contact in previous cases.
The NCDC stated that enhanced monitoring systems have been activated nationwide to support early detection and rapid response efforts.
The agency also urged Nigerians to maintain proper hygiene, prevent rodent infestations, safely store food items, and avoid exposure to rodents and contaminated environments.
Officials further advised the public to rely only on verified information from recognized health authorities and avoid spreading misinformation regarding the outbreak.
