–Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan Assures Liberians
MONROVIA – Public health expert Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan has moved to calm growing public fears over reports linking Hantavirus infections to a cruise ship. He assured Liberians that there is currently no outbreak of the virus in Liberia.
In a public statement shared on his official Facebook page on Thursday, May 7, 2026, Dr. Nyan noted that he had received numerous inquiries from concerned Liberians both at home and abroad. International reports about a suspected Hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship had reportedly resulted in three deaths and more than 150 suspected cases.
Addressing the growing anxiety, the renowned Liberian scientist and international health expert emphasized that Liberia remains free of any confirmed Hantavirus outbreak. “First, let me say that there is NO Hantavirus outbreak in Liberia … don’t worry!” Dr. Nyan wrote.
He also cautioned against misinformation and exaggerated characterizations of the public health situation, stressing that the incident should not be described as either a pandemic or an epidemic.
“Second, let me clarify that this situation is NOT a ‘Pandemic’ and it is NOT an ‘Epidemic’ as some have described this public health situation,” he explained.
Dr. Nyan used the opportunity to educate the public about the virus. He described Hantavirus as a single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the Hantaviridae family. According to him, the virus is commonly found in various parts of the world and is primarily carried by rodents such as rats and mice.
Infection typically occurs when individuals inhale particles contaminated by rodent urine, saliva, or fecal matter. “Infection and transmission occur primarily through inhalation when a person comes in contact with aerosolized rodent excreta,” he stated, while noting that limited person-to-person transmission may also occur in certain situations.
The public health expert further outlined several symptoms associated with the virus, including fever, chills, headaches, fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle aches. Dr. Nyan warned that untreated infections could become severe if they progress for several weeks. They may potentially develop into Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome (HCPS), a dangerous respiratory condition affecting the lungs and sometimes the heart.
He explained that serious complications may include respiratory distress, shortness of breath, kidney complications, and hemorrhagic symptoms. These could eventually lead to death if not properly managed.
On diagnosis, Dr. Nyan stated that health professionals rely on clinical symptoms together with laboratory methods, including serology and molecular testing, to confirm infections. However, treatment for the disease remains largely supportive and symptom-based.
Prevention, he emphasized, remains the most effective defense against the virus. “PREVENTION: Reduce or eliminate contact with rodents,” he advised. Dr. Nyan repeatedly urged the public not to panic, reiterating that there is currently no evidence of Hantavirus transmission within Liberia. “TAKE-AWAYS: No Panic … There is NO outbreak of Hantavirus in Liberia. Avoid or eliminate rodent reservoir!” he emphasized.
The health expert also expressed confidence in the region’s disease surveillance systems, noting that West African health institutions remain prepared to detect and respond to infectious disease threats.
According to him, organizations including the West African Health Organization (WAHO) and the Africa CDC Western Region continue to monitor infectious disease developments closely and are positioned to contain potential outbreaks if necessary.
“West Africa, through WAHO and the Africa-CDC Western Region, is positioned in their surveillance of infectious diseases and will arrest any such transmission,” Dr. Nyan noted. He further assured the public that standard public health interventions are containing and managing the situation wherever the affected cruise ship is currently located.
The statement comes amid heightened global public sensitivity to infectious disease outbreaks following years of international concern surrounding emerging viruses and pandemics. Dr. Nyan concluded by thanking Liberians for their concerns. He acknowledged that the volume of inquiries he received may prevent him from responding individually to every message regarding the Hantavirus issue.
For about 12 years—from Ebola and Zika to COVID-19 and Mpox outbreaks—Dr. Nyan has rendered his expertise in infectious disease and outbreak response to Liberia and the region. Under his leadership at the National Public Health Institute of Liberia, his team strengthened disease surveillance, research, and laboratory diagnostics. They also achieved effective control of the Mpox outbreak using an improved One-Health platform.
