By Olaitan Oye-Adeitan
A month ago, Nigeria recorded a resurgence of COVID-19 virus in Cross Rivers State.
This was the first resurgence since four years ago when Nigeria and other countries of the world ravaged by the virus had brought it under control.
The recent case was detected in a Chinese national who tested positive upon his arrival in Cross Rivers State.
However, through its swift response and contact tracing, Cross Rivers state Ministry of Health was able to contain the virus from spreading.
By May 2026, the state reported that the patient had been successfully treated and discharged.
While Cross Rivers State declared victory over COVID-19, another case suspected to be “Hantavirus” surfaced, in which three people on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean died.
The World Heath Organisation (WHO) had reported one confirmed and five suspected cases aboard the MV Hondius ship, which was traveling from Argentina to Cape Verde.
According to health officials, the casualties suddenly became ill, developing fever, headache, abdominal pain and diarrhoea before they died.
Recalled that Hantavirus was in the headlines last year after the wife of Oscar, inning actor Gene Hackman died from a respiratory illness linked to Hantavirus in March 2025.
Hantavirus is usually passed to humans from rodents via their faeces, saliva or urine.
It can cause severe respiratory illness. Rarely, it can be transmitted between people.
Just recently too, there was report of the deadly outbreak of Ebola virus confirmed in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Statistics from the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC Africa) indicated 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths.
Coming back to Nigeria, in its latest Lassa Fever Situation Report from 27th April to 3rd May 2026, the Nigeria Centre For Disease Control, NCDC said 191 deaths had been recorded so far this year, with the case fatality rate rising to 24.6 percent.
These outbreaks highlight the need to reactivate precautionary measures and reinstate the safeguards initially put in place.
It is obvious that individuals, private and public organisations as well as educational institutions have all relaxed their guards at the conquest of the COVID-19 virus in particular. The washing bowls, running water, social distancing, use of nose mask, alcohol based sanitizers are no longer part of people’s daily culture as it used to be during COVID-19 outbreak.
But just like a wise saying that “one needs to mount guards ahead of unforeseen circumstances”, it is expedient that individuals, government establishments, and health institutions revive the preventive measures both at home and in public places.
Healthcare workers must follow strict clinical hygiene protocols. That means, wearing gloves for each patient and disposing of them immediately after use to prevent cross-contamination.
Handwashing before and after patient contact is critical. Simple steps like these protect both staff and patients.
In the case of Lassa and Hantavirus, people must maintain a clean, healthy environment free from rodents and keep their edibles away from rodents infestation. Care must also be taken while treating or caring for the sick to avoid contracting an unsuspecting virus.
For suspected cases, victims are advised to promptly seek medical attention than ignoring or resorting to self medication.
There is also the need to embark on campaign to reawaken in Nigerians the consciousness to revive the safety guards again remembering that, the guards are down but the viruses are not.
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