The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has said there is currently no evidence of hantavirus infections in Nigeria, even as global health authorities continue investigations into an international outbreak linked to cruise ship travel.
The public health agency gave the assurance in an advisory issued on Friday, stating that it is closely monitoring developments surrounding the outbreak while maintaining surveillance for emerging infectious diseases that could pose public health risks.
According to the NCDC, it is aware of recent international reports concerning a cluster of hantavirus cases involving multiple countries. The agency noted that investigations, contact tracing and international public health assessments are ongoing, but added that available information indicates that the risk to the general public remains low.
In the advisory, the agency said there is presently no confirmed case of hantavirus infection in Nigeria.
The NCDC stated that despite the absence of confirmed infections in the country, it has continued to monitor global developments and strengthen its surveillance systems for epidemic-prone and emerging diseases, many of which are zoonotic in nature.
According to the agency, hantaviruses are primarily carried by rodents and can be transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected rodents or exposure to their urine, saliva, droppings or contaminated dust particles. Infection may also occur when contaminated particles become airborne and are inhaled.
The agency explained that symptoms of hantavirus infection may begin with fatigue, fever, muscle pain and body aches. Some infected persons may also experience headaches, dizziness and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting or abdominal discomfort.
The NCDC added that while the disease remains relatively rare, severe cases can progress rapidly and may result in breathing difficulties, respiratory distress and other serious complications that require urgent medical attention.
The agency further disclosed that the current international outbreak has been linked to the Andes virus strain. According to the NCDC, previous outbreaks involving the strain have shown limited human-to-human transmission, particularly among people who have close and prolonged contact with infected individuals.
Despite this, the agency stressed that the overall risk to the wider public remains low based on current global assessments.
The NCDC urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue observing preventive health measures similar to those recommended for other zoonotic diseases.
Among the measures highlighted by the agency are proper storage of food items, effective waste disposal practices, avoiding direct contact with rodents and their droppings, and using protective equipment such as gloves and face masks when cleaning rodent-infested environments.
The agency also emphasised the importance of maintaining proper hand hygiene, especially after handling potentially contaminated materials or cleaning areas where rodents may have been present.
Reaffirming its preparedness, the NCDC said it will continue to maintain surveillance systems for epidemic-prone and emerging infectious diseases across the country.
The agency noted that many of these diseases originate from animals such as rodents and bats, making early detection, monitoring and public awareness critical components of Nigeria’s public health response.
The NCDC further assured Nigerians that it will continue to monitor global developments closely and provide timely updates where necessary.
It also advised members of the public to rely only on verified information issued by official public health authorities and to avoid spreading unverified reports or misinformation capable of causing unnecessary panic.
According to the agency, public cooperation, accurate information sharing and sustained vigilance remain essential in protecting communities and strengthening the country’s disease prevention and response efforts.
