The agency responded to concerns linked to a reported hantavirus cluster associated with international cruise travel involving multiple countries, clarifying Nigeria’s current risk status
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reassured Nigerians that there is no cause for alarm over recent global reports of hantavirus infections, stating that the country remains free of the disease while continuing enhanced surveillance.
In a public health advisory released on Saturday, May 9, 2026, the agency responded to concerns linked to a reported hantavirus cluster associated with international cruise travel involving multiple countries, clarifying Nigeria’s current risk status.
The NCDC said, “At this time, there is NO confirmed case of Hantavirus in Nigeria, and the overall risk to the public remains low.”
It added that it is closely monitoring global developments and strengthening surveillance systems to ensure early detection of any possible imported or emerging infectious diseases.
According to the agency, hantavirus is mainly carried by rodents, and humans can become infected through contact with infected rodents or exposure to their urine, droppings, saliva, or contaminated dust.
It noted that human-to-human transmission is rare, but the virus can cause severe illness in some cases.
The advisory listed common symptoms as “fever,” “fatigue and body aches,” “headache,” “stomach-related symptoms,” and in severe cases, “difficulty breathing.”
While confirming that no cases have been detected in Nigeria, the NCDC urged the public to remain vigilant and adopt preventive measures such as maintaining clean environments, avoiding rodent infestations, storing food properly, safely disposing of waste, and practising good hand hygiene.
It also warned against panic and the spread of unverified information, advising Nigerians to rely only on official updates. “Please rely only on verified updates from official public health authorities and avoid spreading misinformation,” the agency said.
The NCDC reiterated its commitment to protecting public health, noting that surveillance systems across the country have been strengthened to ensure rapid detection and response to potential health threats.
It added that it will continue to provide timely updates as new information emerges.
The advisory is part of broader efforts by the agency to improve preparedness and risk communication in response to emerging global health concerns.
Meanwhile, reports of suspected hantavirus cases linked to the outbreak-affected cruise ship MV Hondius have raised international concern, after illnesses were detected in Spain and on the remote South Atlantic island of Tristan da Cunha.
Health officials said a man fell ill after disembarking the ship, while a woman reportedly became sick after sitting near an infected passenger on a flight. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), eight suspected cases were identified aboard the vessel, six of which were later confirmed, with three resulting in deaths.
The WHO has, however, maintained that the overall public risk remains low.
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