Africa CDC Calls for Urgent Action on Hantavirus Preparedness
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has issued a call to strengthen continental capabilities for detecting and responding to hantavirus threats. In an online media briefing on Thursday, officials highlighted critical gaps in surveillance that leave many nations vulnerable.
"Approximately 40 percent of countries lack functional surveillance systems for early detection of suspected hantavirus cases," stated Yap Boum II, head of the emergency preparedness and response division at the Africa CDC. An assessment of the continent's preparedness revealed these critical shortcomings, he noted.
"An assessment of the continent's preparedness revealed critical gaps in surveillance."
Emphasizing the importance of early action, Tolbert Nyenswah, director of pandemic prevention, preparedness and response at the Africa CDC, urged for the timely implementation of a 45-day monitoring protocol for individuals who are exposed or at risk.
Nyenswah also called for targeted infection prevention and control measures designed to reduce the risk of transmission.
To address these challenges, the Africa CDC is working to enhance laboratory capacity at both national and regional levels. The focus is on molecular methods to diagnose and confirm hantavirus infections.
Background:
Hantaviruses are rodent-borne viruses that can cause severe disease in humans. Transmission typically occurs through contact with infected rodents or their excreta.