Following the confirmation of a Hantavirus death linked to a flight from St Helena to Johannesburg, health watchers are urging Nigerians to exercise caution against incoming travellers from South Africa and to alert federal authorities of any suspected cases.
South African carrier Airlink confirmed on May 6, 2026, that a passenger who flew from St Helena to Johannesburg on April 25 later died from the rare virus. The individual had been on an Atlantic cruise ship experiencing an outbreak. South African health authorities are now tracing 82 passengers and six crew members from that flight.
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No case has been reported in Nigeria. However, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is being called upon to intensify screening of passengers on flights arriving from South Africa, particularly those exhibiting fever, muscle aches or breathing difficulty.
Citizens are advised to:
A. Avoid close contact with anyone arriving from South Africa who appears suddenly ill.
B. Report such persons to the nearest health facility or the NCDC.
C. Maintain good hand hygiene.
The federal government is also urged to activate emergency health protocols at international airports. While Hantavirus spreads through airborne particles from rodent droppings – not casual contact – vigilance remains critical.
The NCDC has yet to issue an official statement. Citizens are advised to stay informed and report any suspicious symptoms immediately.
