NCDC Activates Surveillance Protocols Following Global Hantavirus Outbreak

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a public health advisory in response to international reports of a hantavirus cluster linked to a cruise ship, while stressing that no cases have been confirmed in the country and the overall risk to the public remains low.

According to the advisory released on Sunday, the NCDC is closely monitoring the situation and has stepped up surveillance for emerging infectious diseases as a precautionary measure. The agency emphasised that hantavirus is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their droppings, urine or saliva, and is not known to spread easily from person to person in most cases.

Hantaviruses are a family of viruses carried by rodents such as rats and mice. Humans typically become infected when they inhale dust contaminated with rodent excreta or come into direct contact with the animals or their waste. In severe cases, the infection can lead to serious respiratory illness.

The NCDC outlined common symptoms to watch for, including fever, fatigue and body aches, headache and stomach-related complaints. In more serious instances, individuals may experience difficulty breathing. The agency advised anyone experiencing these symptoms, particularly after potential exposure to rodents or travel to affected areas, to seek medical attention promptly.

To reduce the risk of infection, the NCDC recommended several practical measures. These include maintaining a clean living environment, preventing rodent infestations through proper food storage and waste disposal, and practising regular hand hygiene. The agency also urged people to avoid direct contact with rodents or areas where they may have been present.

The advisory comes as international health authorities report a cluster of hantavirus cases associated with passengers and crew on a cruise ship. While the NCDC has confirmed there are currently no known cases in Nigeria, it is taking the global development seriously given the country’s active international travel links and the potential for imported infections.

Health officials noted that hantavirus infections are relatively rare but can be severe in some instances. The advisory serves as a reminder for the public to remain vigilant, especially in areas where rodent activity may be higher, such as rural communities or places with poor waste management. The NCDC encouraged Nigerians to rely only on information from official sources and to avoid spreading unverified claims that could cause unnecessary panic.

The agency said it would continue to provide regular updates as more information becomes available from international partners. Nigeria has a robust surveillance system for infectious diseases, and the NCDC has been working to strengthen preparedness for emerging threats. This includes training health workers, improving laboratory capacity and maintaining rapid response teams that can be deployed when needed.

Although the risk in Nigeria is currently assessed as low, the agency stressed the importance of ongoing public awareness. Simple actions such as keeping homes and surroundings free of rodents and seeking early medical care for unusual symptoms can go a long way in preventing potential spread.

The global attention on the cruise ship outbreak highlights how quickly infectious diseases can draw international concern, even when the immediate threat to a particular country is minimal. Health experts say such incidents underscore the need for strong collaboration between nations on disease surveillance and response. For now, the NCDC’s message to the public is one of calm vigilance.

Citizens are encouraged to follow basic hygiene practices and report any unusual health developments to the nearest health facility or through the agency’s dedicated channels. The advisory also serves as a broader reminder of the importance of maintaining high standards of environmental hygiene and rodent control across the country.

These measures not only help guard against hantavirus but also reduce the risk of other rodent-borne diseases that are occasionally reported in parts of Nigeria. As the situation evolves, the NCDC says it will continue to coordinate with international health partners and provide timely updates to the Nigerian public.