Reported by: L. Imafidon | Edited by: Pierre Antoine
Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed that there is currently no evidence of hantavirus infection in Nigeria, even as global health authorities monitor a multi-country outbreak linked to international cruise ship travel.
The clarification followed growing public concern on social media after reports emerged of confirmed hantavirus cases connected to an international cruise ship outbreak involving passengers from multiple countries. The NCDC said Nigeria has not recorded any confirmed case of the disease but has intensified surveillance measures to ensure early detection if any suspected case emerges.
In a public health advisory issued on May 8, 2026, the agency stated that it was “closely monitoring the situation and maintaining surveillance for emerging infectious diseases.” The agency added that current international assessments indicate that the risk to the general public remains low.
The latest global concern stems from a hantavirus cluster linked to a cruise ship identified as MV Hondius. According to the World Health Organization, at least seven cases — including two laboratory-confirmed infections and five suspected cases — had been identified as of May 4, 2026. Three deaths were also reported, while another patient remained critically ill in South Africa.
WHO said the outbreak involved passengers and crew aboard a Dutch-flagged cruise ship carrying 147 individuals from 23 nationalities. The vessel reportedly departed Ushuaia in Argentina on April 1, 2026, travelling through Antarctica, South Georgia, Tristan da Cunha, Saint Helena and Ascension Island before concerns emerged over severe respiratory illness among some passengers.
Investigations by international health authorities are ongoing, with coordinated response efforts involving the United Kingdom, South Africa, Cabo Verde, Spain and the Netherlands. WHO noted that the current outbreak appears linked to the Andes virus strain of hantavirus, one of the few strains previously associated with limited human-to-human transmission.
Health experts explain that hantaviruses are primarily transmitted through exposure to infected rodents, their saliva, urine, droppings or contaminated dust particles. Symptoms often begin with fever, fatigue, muscle aches and gastrointestinal problems but may progress into severe respiratory complications in serious cases.
Despite the global reports, Nigerian authorities insist there is no reason for panic within the country. NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, stated that Nigeria’s disease surveillance systems remain active and capable of responding rapidly if any suspected case arises.
The agency advised Nigerians to maintain proper hygiene practices, safely store food items, dispose of waste correctly and avoid direct contact with rodents and their droppings. It also recommended the use of protective equipment while cleaning rodent-infested areas and encouraged regular handwashing.
The NCDC further warned against spreading unverified health information capable of causing unnecessary panic, urging citizens to rely on official public health advisories and verified medical updates.
Nigeria has experienced multiple infectious disease outbreaks in recent years, including Lassa fever, cholera, diphtheria and meningitis, prompting health authorities to sustain nationwide epidemic surveillance systems. However, officials maintain that no confirmed hantavirus infection has been detected in the country at this time.
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