SUNTV Global Channel | Health Report | May 9, 2026
The has reassured Nigerians that there are currently no confirmed cases of hantavirus in the country, despite growing international concern over recent outbreaks linked to global cruise ship travel.
In a Public Health Advisory issued on Saturday, the agency said Nigeria remains free of the virus while authorities continue to closely monitor the evolving global situation and strengthen disease surveillance systems nationwide.
“At this time, there is NO confirmed case of Hantavirus in Nigeria, and the overall risk to the public remains low,” the NCDC stated.
The reassurance follows heightened international attention surrounding a hantavirus outbreak connected to the cruise ship MV Hondius, where several infections and deaths have been reported across multiple countries.
According to the NCDC, hantavirus is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents or exposure to contaminated urine, droppings, saliva, or dust particles. The agency clarified that human-to-human transmission is uncommon in most known cases.
Health officials outlined common symptoms associated with the disease, including fever, fatigue, headaches, body pain, stomach-related complications, and breathing difficulties in severe infections.
Although no case has been recorded in Nigeria, the agency urged citizens to remain vigilant by maintaining proper hygiene and taking preventive measures against rodent exposure.
The advisory recommended keeping homes and surroundings clean, storing food properly, disposing of waste safely, and avoiding direct contact with rodents or contaminated materials.
The NCDC also warned against spreading panic or misinformation online, urging Nigerians to rely solely on verified updates from public health authorities.
“Please rely only on verified updates from official public health authorities and avoid spreading misinformation,” the statement added.
The agency said surveillance systems across Nigeria have been reinforced to ensure rapid detection and response should any suspected case emerge.
The development comes after the confirmed that multiple suspected and confirmed hantavirus infections had been linked to the outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, where at least three deaths have already been reported internationally.
Public health experts say Nigeria’s proactive monitoring reflects lessons learned from previous global outbreaks, including COVID-19, with authorities emphasizing preparedness and early response as key strategies in preventing future health emergencies.
