The Department of Health has called for calm after confirming a rare case of Hantavirus in a critically ill British national currently receiving treatment in South Africa.
The patient was travelling aboard the MV Hondius, a cruise ship en route to the Canary Islands from Argentina, when he fell ill.
Patient in critical condition in South Africa
According to the department, the ship had around 150 passengers and had travelled past several remote locations, including Antarctica and a number of South Atlantic islands.
The patient initially received medical care while the vessel was near Ascension Island. However, his condition worsened, leading to a medical evacuation to a private hospital in Sandton.
Tests later confirmed Hantavirus, a rare but potentially deadly virus typically spread through contact with infected rodents. The patient remains in isolation and is in critical condition.
Two other deaths reported
The Department of Health also confirmed two additional medical incidents involving passengers on the same voyage.
The first was a 70-year-old male passenger who became ill while travelling between Ushuaia and St Helena Island. He presented with symptoms including fever, headache, abdominal pain and diarrhoea, and died upon arrival at St Helena. His remains are awaiting repatriation to the Netherlands.
The second case involved his 69-year-old spouse, who collapsed at OR Tambo International Airport while in transit home. She was taken to a medical facility in Kempton Park, where she later died. Test results in her case are still pending.
Health authorities said the cases were initially believed to be severe respiratory infections. Investigations are ongoing to determine any links between the illnesses.
The Department of Health, working with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases and Gauteng health authorities, has begun contact tracing efforts. This includes identifying and monitoring individuals who may have been exposed.
No need for public panic
Despite the confirmed case, officials stressed that the risk to the general public remains low.
Only two of the affected passengers entered South Africa, and measures are in place to limit any potential spread.
The World Health Organization is coordinating a broader international response with countries and territories linked to the ship’s route.
The department reiterated that there is no need for public panic, as monitoring and containment efforts continue.
