The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a public health advisory following reports of a Hantavirus cluster linked to international cruise ship travel involving multiple countries.
According to the agency, there is currently no confirmed case of Hantavirus in Nigeria, and the overall risk to the public remains low. However, the NCDC says it is closely monitoring the situation and strengthening surveillance systems for emerging infectious diseases.
Hantaviruses are primarily spread by rodents, with humans becoming infected through exposure to infected rodents, their urine, droppings, saliva, or contaminated dust particles.
Health officials say common symptoms may include fever, fatigue, body aches, headaches, stomach-related illness, and in severe cases, breathing difficulties.
To reduce the risk of infection, the NCDC advised Nigerians to maintain clean surroundings, prevent rodent infestations, properly store food items, safely dispose of waste, avoid contact with rodents and their droppings, and practice regular hand hygiene.
The agency reassured the public that preventive measures and continuous disease surveillance remain in place to protect public health.
