Authorities trace contacts after deaths linked to cruise ship outbreak
South African authorities have confirmed that a passenger evacuated from a stricken cruise ship was infected with the Andes strain of hantavirus—the only known variant capable of human-to-human transmission.
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi disclosed the finding on Wednesday while briefing a parliamentary committee, as officials intensified efforts to contain potential spread.
“The preliminary tests show that, indeed, this is the Andes strain,” he said, noting that while it is unique among known hantavirus variants for its ability to spread between people, such transmission remains rare and typically requires close contact.
The development follows earlier reports from the World Health Organization, which said there are two confirmed and five suspected cases linked to the outbreak.
Three people connected to the cruise ship have died, including a Dutch national who passed away in Johannesburg after being flown in from Saint Helena. Her husband, aged 70, had earlier died aboard the vessel.
The 69-year-old woman reportedly disembarked at Saint Helena on April 24 with gastrointestinal symptoms and was transported on a commercial flight the following day. Her condition deteriorated mid-flight, and she died in hospital on April 26.
Authorities are now tracing nearly 90 individuals who may have come into contact with her, including passengers and crew on the flight, as well as airport and hospital staff.
“We need to know who were the people who were in contact with this lady,” Motsoaledi said.
According to the South African carrier Airlink, which operated the April 25 flight, there were 82 passengers and six crew members on board.
A separate evacuation involved a British national who is currently receiving treatment at a Johannesburg hospital.
Health officials say contact tracing efforts are ongoing, as they work to determine the extent of exposure and prevent further spread of the virus.
