'Low risk' as Africa hantavirus cases spur surveillance - SciDev.Net
Johannesburg, South AfricaConfidence 90%6 affected2 weeks ago
Health officials in Southern Africa are maintaining a low-risk assessment for hantavirus despite several cases linked to a cruise ship outbreak, with three Zimbabweans quarantined, two deaths reported (one confirmed hantavirus), and one British man in critical condition, while authorities actively trace contacts.
Species mentioned
- human
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- Primary'Low risk' as Africa hantavirus cases spur surveillance - SciDev.Net
scidev.net · 2026-05-14
Health officials in Southern Africa maintain that hantavirus remains a low risk to public health despite several confirmed and potential cases linked to an international cruise ship outbreak. Three Zimbabweans evacuated from Ascension Island are currently under 45-day quarantine in Harare after possible exposure to the virus. South Africa's National Institute for Communicable Diseases reported that a 70-year-old man died on St Helena, and his 69-year-old wife died in Johannesburg, with hantavirus confirmed in her case. A British man who tested positive after falling ill on the ship is in criti
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This report is an aggregated summary of public information for surveillance and awareness purposes only. It is not medical advice. For symptoms, exposure, or clinical decisions, contact a qualified clinician or your local public-health authority.