Health Dept confirms rare Hantavirus case in SA, urges calm

The Department of Health has urged calm after confirming a rare case of Hantavirus in a critically ill British national in South Africa.

The patient was travelling aboard the MV Hondius and was evacuated to a private hospital in Sandton after his condition worsened during the voyage.

“Despite medical treatment provided to him at Ascension, his condition did not improve and necessitated his medical evacuation to a South African private health facility in Sandton for further medical management,” the department said.

The Health Department says there is no need for public panic after two cruise ship passengers with Hantavirus were transferred to South Africa for treatment. The virus, which affects the respiratory system, is typically carried by rodents and transmitted to humans through… pic.twitter.com/Ma8mqLEQuM

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“His laboratory test results came back positive for Hantavirus – a rare but potentially deadly virus transmitted primarily by rodents. The patient is still in critical condition in isolation but receiving medical attention.”

Two additional passengers also suffered medical emergencies. A 70-year-old Dutch man died after falling ill on the ship, while his 69-year-old wife collapsed at OR Tambo International Airport and later died. Her test results are still pending.

“While the ship was travelling past South African shores, some of the passengers experienced serious health complications arising from what was initially considered severe acute respiratory infections,” the department said.

WATCH | Three people have died from a suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean, with one patient currently in intensive care in Johannesburg. pic.twitter.com/LRRgbJvecM

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Authorities, including the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, are conducting contact tracing to limit any potential spread.

“In our view, there is no need for the public to panic because only two patients from the cruise ship have been within our borders,” the department said.

“The World Health Organisation is coordinating a multi-country response with all affected islands and countries to contain further spread of the disease.”