Posted on: Mon 11-05-2026

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has assured the global public that the average person faces no significant risk of contracting hantavirus, despite recent reports of a cluster of cases linked to a cruise ship.

The clarification comes as the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) confirmed that no case of hantavirus has been detected in Nigeria, even as it continues surveillance for emerging infectious diseases.

Speaking on the situation, Dr. Boris Pavlin, an epidemiologist and team lead for Field and Humanitarian Epidemiology at WHO, stressed that the Andes strain of the virus shows very limited human to human transmission.

“This is not COVID. This is not something you catch by passing someone in a hallway, an airport or a stadium,” he said.

According to Pavlin, investigations indicate that the infection likely originated from rodent exposure in northern Argentina and Chile, where the long tailed rice rat carrier of the Andes hantavirus strain is commonly found. He added that the first infected passengers aboard the MV Hondius had previously travelled to the region.

Pavlin also confirmed that no passenger on the vessel is currently symptomatic, though monitoring continues as a precaution.

WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus acknowledged public concern but reiterated that the overall risk remains low due to the virus’s transmission pattern.

In a public health advisory, NCDC Director General Dr. Jide Idris said Nigeria is closely observing global developments while maintaining active surveillance. He noted that available reports point to a low risk to the general population, with only a limited number of confirmed and suspected cases involved in the outbreak.

About Hantavirus

Hantaviruses are primarily carried by rodents. Humans may become infected through contact with infected rodents or exposure to their urine, droppings, saliva, or contaminated dust. Most cases occur in rural or rodent infested environments.

Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, chills, and gastrointestinal discomfort. There is no specific cure, but early medical care and supportive treatment such as oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation can improve outcomes.

Preventive Measures

Health experts advise the public to:

• Keep homes and food storage areas free of rodents
• Avoid contact with rodent droppings
• Use protective gear when cleaning areas where rodents may have been present
• Seek prompt medical evaluation if symptoms develop after possible exposure

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