South Africa’s Department of Health and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases have urged the public to remain calm following the confirmation of a rare hantavirus case in Johannesburg.
The alert follows a tragic health incident linked to the MV Hondius cruise vessel, where three passengers have died.
Among the deceased are an elderly Dutch couple, with the husband passing away on board and his wife later collapsing at OR Tambo International Airport before dying in hospital.
A third fatality, a German national, was also confirmed by the cruise operator.
A 69-year-old British national remains the only laboratory-confirmed hantavirus case connected to the incident and is currently in critical condition in isolation at a private health facility in Sandton.
Health officials say hantavirus is typically transmitted through contact with contaminated rodent droppings, urine, or saliva.
Early symptoms include fever, fatigue, and muscle aches, but the illness can progress to a severe and life-threatening respiratory condition.
Authorities have emphasized that there is no need for panic as monitoring and response measures are in place.
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