South Africa’s response to a rare hantavirus incident linked to an international cruise ship has been praised by Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Health.

The committee commended the Department of Health, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases and frontline healthcare workers for what it described as a swift, coordinated and effective response. Officials identified and tracked cases linked to a Dutch-flagged cruise ship travelling from South America.

Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi told the committee that the World Health Organisation was notified on 2 May 2026 after cases of severe respiratory illness were reported on board the vessel.

Two Deaths Confirmed, One Patient Stable

The ship was carrying 147 passengers and crew from several countries. Two fatalities have been reported, while one United Kingdom national remains in hospital in Johannesburg in a stable condition.

Preliminary laboratory findings confirmed the Andes strain of hantavirus. The virus is zoonotic, meaning it is mainly linked to contact with infected rodents. Dr Motsoaledi told the committee that human-to-human transmission is rare and requires close contact.

Officials also said there is no indication that this hantavirus strain is present in South African rodent populations.

Contact Tracing Under Way

The Department of Health reported that 62 people had been identified as possible contacts. Of those, 42 had already been traced and were being monitored.

Committee members urged the department to keep South Africans updated on tracing and monitoring efforts. They said clear communication is needed to maintain public confidence, prevent panic and stop misinformation from spreading.

Committee chairperson Faith Muthambi said regular and transparent updates were essential. She also noted assurances that exposure in the country remains limited at this stage.

Questions Over Border Health Systems

While the response drew praise, MPs also raised serious questions about South Africa’s early detection systems.

Members asked how the initial case was not picked up on the cruise ship or at points of entry. They also questioned whether screening protocols at OR Tambo International Airport were strong enough.

The committee further raised concerns about funding pressures at the NICD and the National Health Laboratory Service. MPs said sustained investment in testing, surveillance and laboratory capacity remains critical as cross-border health risks grow.