Africa, May 13: The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have called on African nations to remain vigilant and strengthen surveillance against Hantavirus, even though the current risk to public health across the continent is considered low.

During a joint technical briefing, Yap Boum II, head of emergency preparedness and response at Africa CDC, emphasized the importance of preparedness and early detection. He noted that no Hantavirus cases have been reported in Africa so far, but urged health authorities and the public to stay alert for symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, or breathing difficulties.

The advisory follows a cluster of Hantavirus infections detected on the international cruise ship MV Hondius, which departed Argentina for Spain’s Canary Islands with 147 passengers. While the outbreak’s global risk assessment remains low, experts highlighted that vigilance and effective risk communication are essential to prevent any spread.

Also Read: Govt Activates Surveillance After Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship

Marie‑Roseline Belizaire, director of emergency preparedness and response at WHO Africa, stressed that preparedness should not be mistaken for panic. “It means ensuring surveillance and response systems remain alert, technical teams are equipped to identify and manage potential cases, and that measures are timely, proportionate, and guided by risk,” she said.

Officials also underscored the importance of preventive measures at the community level. These include maintaining clean living spaces, storing food securely, sealing entry points to prevent rodent access, and using gloves and disinfectants when handling rodent waste.

The briefing provided African health authorities, outbreak responders, and surveillance teams with an overview of Hantavirus epidemiology, transmission pathways, clinical presentation, and prevention strategies. Hantaviruses are carried by rodents and can cause severe illness in humans, typically through exposure to rodent urine, droppings, or saliva.

Although Africa currently faces no direct threat, the joint call from Africa CDC and WHO reflects a proactive approach to public health. By strengthening surveillance and preparedness, countries can ensure they are not caught unprepared should the situation evolve.

The advisory highlights the broader lesson that global health security depends on vigilance, early detection, and community‑level prevention, even when risks appear low.