News
Airport screen questioned after hantavirus outbreak
07 May 2026
SA health authorities are under pressure after two hantavirus-linked cases exposed limits in airport disease screening. Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi told Parliament that no prior airline alert was issued because the infected traveller showed no visible symptoms when arriving at OR Tambo International Airport.
The cases were linked to the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius, where a respiratory outbreak affected international passengers. Authorities traced 62 contacts, including healthcare workers and cruise passengers, while monitoring continues for up to six weeks.
According to epidemiologist Lucille Blumberg said rapid contact tracing began before laboratory confirmation.
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