HANTAVIRUS OUTBREAK SPARKS GLOBAL PANIC AS DEATH TOLL RISES

A new global health scare is raising concern following an outbreak of hantavirus infection, with fresh cases reported aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius during its voyage from Argentina to Cape Verde.

At least three deaths have been confirmed, while between five and eight cases have been recorded. The deceased include a 69-year-old Dutch woman and her husband.

Health authorities are now probing possible rare human-to-human transmission, as about 40 passengers who disembarked at different points along the vessel’s route are being traced across multiple countries.

The ship, which carried about 150 passengers and crew from 28 countries, departed Ushuaia in Argentina and later sailed towards the Canary Islands after anchoring off Cape Verde. Reports also indicate infections among British passengers on board.

Hantaviruses are rodent-borne pathogens capable of causing severe respiratory and kidney complications in humans. Though uncommon, some strains have fatality rates of up to 50 per cent.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) maintains that hantavirus has not reached pandemic level like COVID-19, stressing that transmission is mainly from animals to humans, particularly through rodents such as rats, mice, and voles.

Infection typically occurs through inhalation of virus particles from dried rodent urine, saliva, or droppings that become airborne.

While general transmission between humans is considered rare, the Andes strain in South America has shown limited cases of human-to-human spread through close contact.

Health experts warn that disturbing rodent nests or droppings through sweeping or vacuuming can release infectious particles into the air. Incubation usually ranges from one to eight weeks.

Symptoms include fever, fatigue, muscle pain—particularly in the thighs, hips, and back—headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Severe cases may progress to low blood pressure, internal bleeding, and acute kidney failure.

Currently, there is no specific cure, vaccine, or antiviral treatment.

Nigeria, however, is no stranger to rodent-borne diseases, with Lassa fever remaining a persistent public health challenge since the 1960s. This year alone, the disease has reportedly claimed 170 lives.

Experts note that while Lassa fever belongs to the Arenaviridae family and is endemic to West Africa, hantaviruses are more common in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

Lessons from Nigeria’s past outbreaks remain critical. The country successfully contained Ebola in 2014 through swift establishment of an emergency operations centre, contact tracing, and strict isolation measures.

Similarly, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Nigeria adopted public health interventions such as mask use, lockdowns, hand hygiene, and movement restrictions.

However, there are growing concerns that many of these preventive practices have since been abandoned.

Following the hantavirus outbreak, health authorities are being urged to strengthen surveillance at international entry points and enhance collaboration with global partners to detect and isolate possible cases early.

Public health experts also call for intensified awareness campaigns on rodent control, hygiene, and environmental sanitation.

The World Health Organisation is reportedly coordinating global efforts to track the source and spread of the virus.

Nigeria is further advised to improve funding for primary healthcare systems, which remain the first line of defence against epidemics.

While recent health responses, including the management of a suspected COVID-19 case in Cross River State, have been commended, experts warn that sustained investment is necessary to maintain preparedness.

Rural communities, in particular, are being urged to adopt safe food storage practices and avoid contact with rodent waste.

Civil society groups, religious bodies, and community leaders are also encouraged to support nationwide hygiene campaigns.

The 2014 Ebola containment effort remains a strong reminder of what swift coordination and vigilance can achieve in preventing wider outbreaks.

Public health authorities are therefore calling for renewed efforts in sanitation, rodent-proofing homes, and improved waste management systems.

As emerging infectious diseases continue to pose global threats, experts stress that vigilance, coordination, and preparedness remain essential to preventing future crises.