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Test tubes labelled “Hantavirus positive” in this illustration taken May 7, 2026.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy says her department is working around the clock with health officials to monitor the Hantavirus cases.
Speaking at the close of the National Aviation Conference in Johannesburg, the Minister addressed growing concerns following the death of three people linked to a cruise ship outbreak, including a passenger who collapsed at OR Tambo International east of Johannesburg.
Officials are continuing with contact tracing. Creecy has moved to allay public fears in South Africa.
“ It won’t be the first time we’ve had to deal with a challenge like this I think you know we had to deal with COVID pandemic and it is undeniable that this particular virus doesn’t pose a scale of the challenge that COVID posed. But I think that it’s better to be prepared and to take precaution and I have every confidence that the Department of Health will advise us on all appropriate mechanism that we need to take.”
VIDEO | The health department has traced 62 individuals as possible contacts with the infected person:
