South Africa confirmed two rare human-to-human hantavirus cases linked to a cruise ship outbreak.
South African health authorities have confirmed two cases of the rare Andes strain of hantavirus linked to passengers from the MV Hondius cruise ship. According to officials, the virus was detected in a Dutch woman who died in Johannesburg and a British man currently receiving treatment after both fell ill onboard.
The presentation to parliament revealed that the Andes strain is unique due to its ability to spread between humans, though such transmission remains uncommon. “This is the only strain that is known to cause human to human transmission, but such transmission is very rare and… only happens due to very close contact,” the report stated.
The vessel had been anchored in Cape Verde before receiving clearance to dock in the Canary Islands, while health authorities continue monitoring the situation.