Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, has issued an advisory to the public following reports of hantavirus infections linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship. International health authorities have confirmed several cases of the Andes strain, including fatalities, while surveillance and contact tracing efforts continue.
World Health Organization Risk Assessment
The World Health Organization currently assesses the overall public health risk as low. Prof. Abayomi emphasised the importance of vigilance and preparedness despite this assessment. Hantaviruses are a group of viruses carried mainly by rodents. Humans usually become infected through exposure to rodent urine, droppings or saliva, particularly in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces. The Andes strain is unusual because limited human-to-human transmission has been documented under close contact conditions.
Symptoms of Hantavirus Infection
Early symptoms may resemble flu and include fever, severe headache, muscle aches, fatigue, nausea or vomiting, and dizziness. In more severe cases, symptoms can progress rapidly to persistent cough, shortness of breath, pneumonia, and severe respiratory distress.
Treatment Options
There is currently no specific antiviral cure for hantavirus infection. Treatment is mainly supportive. Severe cases may require oxygen therapy, intensive care support, mechanical ventilation, and fluid and electrolyte management. Early recognition and prompt medical attention significantly improve outcomes.
Preventive Measures
Prof. Abayomi advised that prevention is key. Measures include keeping homes and food storage areas clean and rodent-free, sealing holes and openings where rodents may enter, avoiding direct contact with rodent droppings or nests, using gloves and disinfectants when cleaning contaminated areas, avoiding sweeping dry rodent waste, maintaining good hand hygiene, and seeking medical evaluation early if symptoms develop after travel to affected regions.
Epidemic Preparedness
The outbreak highlights the need for continuous investment in surveillance systems, laboratory readiness, infection prevention, and One Health approaches that recognise the close relationship between human, animal and environmental health. Prof. Abayomi urged the public to remain calm, rely on verified information from recognised health authorities, and avoid spreading misinformation or panic.
Legit.ng earlier reported that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a public health advisory following reports of a Hantavirus cluster linked to international cruise ship travel across several countries. The agency clarified that no confirmed case of Hantavirus has been recorded in Nigeria and assured citizens that the current risk level remains low.
