NCDC Calms Fears Over Hantavirus, Says No Case in Nigeria
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has moved to calm growing fears over reports of Hantavirus infections spreading across parts of the world, declaring that no case of the disease has been recorded in Nigeria.
In a Public Health Advisory released on Saturday, May 9, 2026, the agency said Nigerians should not panic, stressing that the country remains free of the virus despite rising global concerns linked to an outbreak associated with international cruise ship travel involving several countries.
“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 Agency explained that it has intensified monitoring and surveillance efforts to ensure any imported or emerging infectious disease is detected quickly and contained.
According to the NCDC, Hantavirus is mainly carried by rodents, while humans can become infected through contact with infected rats or exposure to their urine, saliva, droppings or contaminated dust particles. Although the virus is not commonly transmitted between humans, health authorities warned that it can trigger severe illness in infected persons.
Symptoms listed by the Agency include fever, fatigue, body aches, headaches, stomach-related complications and, in severe situations, breathing difficulties.
Despite assuring Nigerians that there is currently no outbreak in the country, the NCDC urged residents to remain vigilant by maintaining clean surroundings, preventing rodent infestations, storing food properly, disposing waste safely and observing proper hand hygiene.
The Agency also warned against the circulation of false information and urged Nigerians to depend only on verified updates from recognised public health authorities.
“Please rely only on verified updates from official public health authorities and avoid spreading misinformation,” the advisory added.
The NCDC said it has strengthened disease surveillance systems nationwide as part of efforts to improve preparedness and ensure rapid response to any potential public health threat.
The advisory followed fresh global concerns after suspected Hantavirus infections linked to the outbreak-hit cruise ship, MV Hondius, were reported in Spain and on the remote South Atlantic island of Tristan da Cunha.
Reuters reported on Friday that the suspected cases involved a man who became ill after leaving the ship and a woman who reportedly fell sick after sitting close to an infected passenger during a flight.
The World Health Organisation (WHO), however, maintained that the overall public health risk remains low, despite fears that the virus may have spread beyond the Dutch-flagged expedition cruise liner.
According to the WHO, eight people aboard the MV Hondius were initially identified as suspected Hantavirus cases, while six infections have already been confirmed through laboratory testing. Three deaths have also been recorded.
