Western Cape monitoring four possible hantavirus exposures linked to international cruise ship outbreak

Health authorities in the Western Cape are continuing to monitor four individuals for possible exposure to the rare Hantavirus following the international outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship.

The outbreak has triggered global monitoring efforts after a Dutch passenger reportedly died from hantavirus-related complications shortly after travelling through South Africa.

According to reporting by News24, four contacts have been identified in the Western Cape.

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Cruise ship travelled across the South Atlantic

The MV Hondius was travelling from Argentina to Cape Verde with 147 passengers and crew from 23 countries onboard.

The ship reportedly stopped at several locations, including:

• Antarctica
• Falkland Islands
• Saint Helena

According to Smile FM, the four monitored individuals were passengers onboard an Airlink flight travelling from Saint Helena to Johannesburg on 25 April 2026.

The passengers reportedly shared the flight with a Dutch woman who later died after collapsing at OR Tambo International Airport.

One person reportedly tested after showing symptoms

As of 8 May 2026, health authorities confirmed that:

• four people remain under observation in the Western Cape
• one individual has reportedly shown symptoms
• laboratory testing has been conducted
• officials are awaiting results

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) is leading contact tracing efforts nationally.

Investigators are focusing on people who had close contact with confirmed or suspected cases linked to the cruise ship and subsequent travel through South Africa.

Department of Health says there is “no need to panic”

Speaking to Radio 2000, Foster Mohale, Spokesperson for the Department of Health, said hantavirus is not commonly found in South Africa.

“It is not a virus commonly found in South Africa. It is prevalent in South America,” Mohale explained.

He added that there was currently “no need to panic,” although health authorities remain on standby should additional traces or cases emerge locally.

Officials from the Western Cape Government and National Department of Health have also stressed there is currently no evidence that hantavirus exists within local rodent populations.

Tourism Department urges public to avoid misinformation

The Department of Tourism has also issued a public health notice following growing concern around the outbreak.

In its statement, the department encouraged the public and tourism sector to remain calm and rely on verified information.

“South Africa is not an endemic country for the virus, and the risk of local transmission remains very low,” the department said.

Officials further warned against spreading misinformation while monitoring efforts continue.

Airlink confirms passenger travelled onboard flight 4Z 132

In a statement, Airlink confirmed that the passenger travelled onboard flight 4Z 132 from Saint Helena to Johannesburg on 25 April 2026.

The airline said:

• 82 passengers
• 6 crew members

were onboard the aircraft.

“At the time Airlink was unaware that any of the passengers were unwell,” the airline stated.

Airlink confirmed that South African public health authorities contacted the airline on 3 May 2026 after the passenger’s death was linked to suspected hantavirus complications.

The airline subsequently provided passenger manifests, seating allocations and contact information to assist health authorities with tracing efforts.

Airlink also noted that its Embraer aircraft are fitted with HEPA filtration systems designed to continually refresh and clean cabin air during flights.

Passengers from the flight were advised to contact the Department of Health via:

• Phone: +27 (0) 76 273 41 55
• Email: Pheoc@health.gov.za

What makes this hantavirus strain unusual?

According to health authorities, the current outbreak involves the Andes strain of hantavirus.

This strain is considered especially rare because it is the only known hantavirus capable of human-to-human transmission through close contact.

Most hantavirus infections globally are linked to:

• rodent urine
• droppings
• saliva
• contaminated dust exposure

Symptoms and incubation period

Early hantavirus symptoms often resemble flu-like illness and can include:

• fever
• headaches
• muscle aches
• fatigue
• abdominal pain

In severe cases, the virus can progress to respiratory failure.

Health experts say the incubation period typically ranges:

• from one to six weeks
• but can extend up to 45 days before symptoms appear

Authorities continue emphasising that the overall risk to the South African public remains low while investigations and monitoring continue.

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