NCDC Boosts Surveillance Amid Global Hantavirus Concerns

The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), led by Director General Dr. Jide Idris, is intensifying disease surveillance across Nigeria following reports of a Hantavirus outbreak linked to cruise ship travel involving multiple countries.

Public health advisories have been issued, although Idris reassured that there are currently no confirmed cases of Hantavirus in Nigeria, and the overall risk to the public remains low. The NCDC is investigating a limited number of confirmed and suspected cases associated with the cruise ship and is actively tracing contacts.

Hantavirus is primarily spread by rodents, with human infection occurring through exposure to rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. Symptoms can include fever and gastrointestinal issues, with severe cases leading to respiratory complications.

Despite the global concern, Idris noted that the current cluster and virus strain demonstrate limited human-to-human transmission, particularly in close contact situations. The NCDC continues to monitor the situation and urges Nigerians to maintain vigilance and observe preventive health measures.