The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a public health advisory following reports of a Hantavirus cluster linked to international cruise ship travel involving multiple countries, assuring Nigerians that the current public risk in the country remains low.
The agency stated that there is currently no confirmed case of Hantavirus in Nigeria, but noted that it is closely monitoring the global situation while strengthening surveillance systems for emerging infectious diseases across the country.
According to the NCDC, hantaviruses are mainly carried by rodents, and humans can become infected through contact with infected rodents, their urine, droppings, saliva, or contaminated dust particles.
The public health agency explained that symptoms of the disease may include fever, fatigue, body aches, headaches, stomach-related illnesses, and breathing difficulties in severe cases.
As part of preventive measures, the NCDC advised Nigerians to maintain clean environments, prevent rodent infestations, properly store food items, dispose of waste safely, and avoid direct contact with rodents and their droppings.
The agency also urged residents to maintain regular hand hygiene and remain vigilant, especially when cleaning areas that may have been exposed to rodents or contaminated materials.
While reassuring the public that there is no cause for panic, the NCDC called on Nigerians to rely only on verified information from official public health authorities and avoid spreading misinformation regarding the disease.
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