SA Health Department Confirms Hantavirus in Ill British Patient via Lab Tests

Johannesburg – The Department of Health has reported that a British national, who fell ill during a cruise and was admitted to a hospital in Sandton, has tested positive for hantavirus.

While traversing the South African coast, multiple passengers experienced serious health problems that were initially believed to be severe acute respiratory infections.

The British traveler was one of those who became unwell.

Despite receiving treatment at Ascension, his condition did not improve, leading to his medical evacuation to a private health facility in Sandton for additional care.

“His lab results showed a positive test for hantavirus—a rare but potentially fatal virus mainly spread by rodents,” the department stated in a release on Monday, May 4, 2026.

“The patient is currently in critical condition and is isolated but is receiving medical attention.”

The department received notification from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) regarding the medical situation and fatalities among passengers aboard an international cruise ship (MV Hondius) traveling from Southern Argentina to the Canary Islands, with a stop at Cape Verde.

The ship, carrying approximately 150 tourists from various countries, departed from Ushuaia, Southern Argentina, nearly three weeks ago.

Along the route, the vessel visited several islands, including the mainland of Antarctica, the Falklands, South Georgia, Nightingale Island, Tristan, St Helena, and Ascension.

The department indicated that the first patient was a 70-year-old male passenger who became suddenly ill while traveling from Ushuaia to St Helena Island, exhibiting symptoms like fever, headache, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

“Sadly, he passed away upon arrival at St Helena Island,” the department reported.

“His remains are currently in St Helena, awaiting repatriation to the Netherlands.”

The second affected passenger was a 69-year-old female, the companion of the first patient, who collapsed at OR Tambo International Airport while trying to catch a flight back to the Netherlands.

“She was taken to a nearby medical facility in Kempton Park for treatment but, regrettably, passed away,” the department disclosed.

“Lab test results for this patient are still pending.”

The British national was the third passenger to fall ill.

The department stated that it is working with the NICD and the Gauteng Health Department to conduct contact tracing, aiming to prevent further transmission of the virus by identifying and monitoring individuals who may have been in contact with the infected patients.

“We believe there is no cause for public concern, as only two patients from the cruise ship have been within our borders,” the department reassured.

“The World Health Organization is coordinating a multi-nation response with all impacted islands and countries to mitigate any further spread of the disease.”