WHO confirms five hantavirus cases linked to cruise ship outbreak
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The World Health Organization WHO reported five confirmed hantavirus cases and three suspected cases from an outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship, warning that more cases are possible due to the virus's incubation period. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that the Andes virus, found in Latin America and known for human-to-human transmission, is the strain involved. The Dutch-flagged ship, which departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1, is currently sailing from Cape Verde to Tenerife. The WHO anticipates a limited outbreak if public health measures are properly implemented. Argentina will provide 2,500 diagnostic kits to laboratories in five countries. The ship previously stopped at Saint Helena, where 30 guests disembarked, including a Dutch national who died on April 11. The WHO informed 12 countries, including Britain, Canada, Germany, and the United States, that their nationals had disembarked the vessel.
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Ikenga Ugochinyere, the member representing Ideato North/South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has called on opposition political parties to cease internal conflicts and foster unity. In a statement released on Thursday, Ugochinyere specifically appealed to parties such as the African Democratic Congress, Nigerian Democratic Congress, and the Labour Party to avoid confrontations. The lawmaker, who founded the Action People’s Party, criticized the increasing public disagreements and accusations among opposition figures as "childish and counterproductive." He emphasized that this is not the time for internal disputes, stating that Nigerians expect the opposition to offer direction, hope, and credible alternatives, rather than quarrels that diminish collective strength. Ugochinyere stressed that personal interests and ego-driven politics should be replaced by cooperation and dialogue for the benefit of Nigerians. He urged opposition leaders and members to prioritize issues affecting citizens, including insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment, and governance challenges. The federal lawmaker asserted that unity is crucial for any political movement aiming to gain public confidence and strengthen democratic values, adding that Nigerians expect maturity, unity, and a common purpose from the opposition.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress NDC welcomed new defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, including Charity Aiguobarueghian, the Minority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, and Natasha Osawaru Idibia, wife of singer 2Baba. The reception, held at the Abuja residence of NDC National Leader Senator Seriake Dickson, also saw the defection of Dr. Donald Eboigbe, a House of Representatives aspirant, and Dr. John Yoriyo, former Deputy Governor of Gombe State. Senator Dickson assured the new members of fairness and equal opportunity within the party, emphasizing the NDC's commitment to internal democracy, discipline, and inclusiveness. He highlighted the party's focus on good governance, national unity, inclusive development, and the participation of women and youth. Dickson also cautioned against personal ambition overshadowing party interests. Natasha Osawaru Idibia expressed optimism about the party's future, stating her belief that the NDC would soon lead the country. Former House of Representatives member Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma noted the movement's growing national acceptance. Aiguobarueghian explained that their decision followed careful consideration of the country's political situation. Activist Aisha Yesufu, who recently left the African Democratic Congress, described the movement as a turning point in Nigerian politics, urging citizens to remain engaged and hoping for a merit-based system.
Asisat Oshoala scored a hat-trick to help Al Hilal Women secure a 5-1 victory over Al Qadsiah Women, achieving a 7-2 aggregate win and qualifying for the Saudi Women’s Cup final. The six-time African Player of the Year scored twice in the first half and completed her hat-trick after the break. Oshoala has now recorded 23 goals and six assists across all competitions this season. She opened the scoring in the 36th minute, followed by a goal from Jéssica Silva. Although Ajara Nchout scored for Al Qadsiah, Oshoala quickly restored Al Hilal's two-goal lead before halftime. She completed her hat-trick in the 73rd minute and later won a penalty, which Ghizlane Chebbak converted. Al Hilal will face either Al Ula Women or Al Nassr Women in the final. Oshoala joined Al Hilal in the summer of 2025 from Bay FC.
Must ReadVice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday submitted President Bola Tinubu's nomination and expression of interest forms to the All Progressives Congress APC national leadership, signaling Tinubu's intention to seek a second term in office in the 2027 election. Shettima announced this on his X handle and urged party stakeholders, including governors, National Assembly members, and APC officials, to support the President's re-election. He stated that Tinubu has demonstrated the capacity to address Nigeria's economic and social challenges through the administration's Renewed Hope Agenda. Speaking at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Shettima described the nomination form as "priceless." He emphasized that the achievements under the Renewed Hope Agenda should encourage Nigerians and party members to support Tinubu's second-term ambition. The submission of these forms marks an early stage in the ruling party's preparations for the 2027 presidential election. James Faleke, representing Ikeja Federal Constituency and founder of the Tinubu Support Groups, initially obtained the forms on behalf of the President after the process was opened by APC National Organising Secretary Suleiman Argungu. Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu and Minister of Works David Umahi subsequently signed the form. The procurement of the forms, valued at N100 million, formally initiated Tinubu's re-election campaign for the 2027 presidential election.