Hantavirus surveillance gaps in Africa

Despite increasing global concern regarding hantavirus preparedness, Africa remains largely absent from current hantavirus surveillance frameworks despite growing evidence of viral circulation across the continent. Limited diagnostic capacity, weak surveillance systems, and substantial clinical overlap with severe malaria, leptospirosis, viral hemorrhagic fevers, and bacterial sepsis may contribute to underrecognition of hantavirus infections in African settings. Increasing human–rodent interactions, urbanization, and environmental disruption may further increase spillover risk. Strengthening laboratory capacity, clinician awareness, and integrated One Health surveillance approaches should become an important component of epidemic preparedness strategies across Africa.