[WHO, NCDC Calm Fears Over Hantavirus Threat]
The World Health Organisation and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention have assured Nigerians that hantavirus poses low public risk, with no recorded case in Nigeria.
WHO Explains Low Risk
The update followed reports of an ongoing hantavirus cluster linked to cruise ship travel.
According to WHO epidemiologist and Team Lead for Field and Humanitarian Epidemiology, Dr. Boris Pavlin, the virus does not spread easily from person to person.
However, he stressed that the situation is not similar to COVID-19. He said casual contact, such as passing someone in an airport or stadium, will not likely lead to infection.
Furthermore, Pavlin said investigators believe rodents caused the outbreak.
Source Linked to Argentina, Chile
WHO said the cluster likely started outside the cruise ship route. Officials traced the possible source to northern Argentina and Chile.
Meanwhile, the long-tailed rice rat, known carrier of the Andes hantavirus strain, is common in that region.
Pavlin also confirmed that the first cases on board the MV Hondius had earlier travelled to the affected area.
Consequently, health officials said no passenger currently showed symptoms, but authorities continue monitoring them as a precaution.
NCDC Speaks on Nigeria
In response, NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, said Nigeria has not recorded any hantavirus case.
He added that the agency has increased surveillance for emerging infectious diseases and continues to watch global developments closely.
Furthermore, the NCDC said available reports show low risk to the wider public because only a limited number of confirmed and suspected cases exist.
Symptoms and Prevention
Health experts said hantavirus cases often happen in rural areas where rodents live near homes or food stores.
Symptoms include headache, dizziness, chills, stomach problems, and weakness. Early signs may look like many common infections.
However, there is no specific cure. Doctors focus on early treatment, oxygen support, and other hospital care when needed.
Consequently, experts advised Nigerians to keep homes clean, store food properly, avoid rodent droppings, and seek medical help quickly after possible exposure.
