NCDC intensifies surveillance for Hantavirus amid global concerns, no confirmed cases in Nigeria
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Jide Idris, announced that the agency has intensified disease surveillance across Nigeria. This action follows reports of an international Hantavirus cluster linked to cruise ship travel involving multiple countries. Dr. Idris reassured Nigerians that there are currently no confirmed cases of Hantavirus in the country and that the overall risk to the public remains low. The advisory was issued due to growing global concern and the need for vigilance against emerging infectious diseases. Hantaviruses are primarily spread through rodents, and human infection can occur through exposure to infected rodents, their excretions, or contaminated dust. Symptoms can include fever, gastrointestinal issues, and in severe cases, respiratory complications. The current cluster is linked to the Andes virus strain, which has shown limited human-to-human transmission through close contact. The NCDC has activated enhanced surveillance measures to prevent importation and ensure early detection. Nigerians are advised to maintain clean surroundings, prevent rodent infestation, store food properly, dispose of waste safely, avoid contact with rodents, and practice good hand hygiene. The NCDC continues to monitor global developments in emerging infectious diseases.
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The Nigerian equities market experienced a strong rebound, gaining N1.518 trillion after several consecutive sessions of losses. The NGX All-Share Index increased by 0.97 percent, closing at 238,219.19 points, and market capitalization rose to N152.845 trillion. This upturn was primarily driven by price appreciation in large and medium-capitalized stocks, including MTN Nigeria Communications, Guaranty Trust Holding Company, Zenith Bank, FBN Holdings, and Lafarge Africa. Despite the overall market gain, market breadth was negative, with 35 declining stocks outnumbering 17 advancing stocks. FBN Holdings and GTCO were among the top gainers, each rising by 10 percent. Conversely, FTN Cocoa Processors led the decliners with a 10 percent drop. The total traded volume increased by 11.07 percent to 489.096 million units, valued at N36.493 billion, with Fidelity Bank, United Bank for Africa, and Access Holdings leading the activity chart.
Lionel Messi has become the outright leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history, achieving this feat by scoring twice in Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria. The Argentine captain now has a total of 18 World Cup goals, surpassing former Germany striker Miroslav Klose. This milestone occurred as Argentina secured their spot in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, maintaining a perfect record with six points from two matches. Other top scorers include Ronaldo of Brazil with 15 goals, Gerd M眉ller of Germany and Kylian Mbapp茅 of France both with 14 goals, and Just Fontaine of France with 13 goals.
Must ReadLionel Messi became the World Cup's all-time leading goalscorer, netting twice as Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 to secure a spot in the last 32. Messi scored his 17th and 18th career World Cup goals, surpassing Miroslav Klose's previous record of 16. The victory guarantees Argentina a place in the knockout rounds. Elsewhere, Kylian Mbappe is set to play his 100th game for France, aiming to add to his 14 World Cup goals. France will face Iraq, while Norway, with Erling Haaland, could also advance from Group I. German defender Nico Schlotterbeck is out of the tournament due to an ankle injury. In other matches, Spain thrashed Saudi Arabia 4-0, and Cape Verde drew 2-2 with Uruguay, with their coach Bubista expressing hopes for a knockout stage berth. Belgium drew 0-0 with Iran, who left a message promoting peace, and Egypt secured their first World Cup victory, beating New Zealand 3-1.