Hantavirus, NCDC Intensifies Case Monitoring, Says Nigeria Remains Free

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, says it has intensified surveillance and public health monitoring following reports of a Hantavirus cluster linked to international cruise ship travel involving multiple countries.

In a statement by the Director-General of the NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, the agency said the outbreak involves a limited number of confirmed and suspected cases connected to a cruise vessel, while investigations and contact tracing continue across affected countries.

The NCDC, however, reassures Nigerians that there is currently no confirmed case of Hantavirus in the country and that the risk to the general public remains low.

According to the Agency, Hantaviruses are mainly transmitted by rodents and can infect humans through exposure to infected rodents, their urine, saliva, droppings, or contaminated dust particles.

The NCDC says it is closely monitoring global developments through its surveillance and epidemic intelligence systems aimed at detecting emerging infectious diseases, especially zoonotic diseases transmitted from animals to humans.

The Agency further advises Nigerians to maintain proper hygiene and environmental sanitation, including measures to prevent rodent infestation and reduce exposure to disease vectors.

It urges members of the public to rely on verified information from official health authorities and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports or misinformation capable of causing unnecessary panic.