South Africa’s health authorities are on alert after a British tourist tested positive for what has been referred to as “Hunter virus”, with officials clarifying that the infection is linked to Hantavirus — a rare but potentially fatal disease transmitted through contact with infected rodent waste.
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi on Monday confirmed that the patient has been admitted to a local hospital and that further details will be released once a comprehensive briefing is received from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD).
Motsoaledi told a broadcaster that the case forms part of a broader international health concern being monitored closely by the World Health Organization (WHO).
“As you know, this is an international issue that involves the World Health Organization. In South Africa there is NICD — I’m only being briefed this morning about it,” said Motsoaledi.
The WHO has reported that three people aboard a cruise vessel travelling from Argentina to Cape Verde are suspected to have died from the disease, although only one case has so far been laboratory confirmed. Authorities are still working to verify the circumstances surrounding the suspected deaths.
Meanwhile, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in the United Kingdom says it is monitoring developments and is in contact with both the cruise company and local health authorities where the ship docked.
Despite early references to “Hunter virus”, medical experts stress that the correct term is Hantavirus — a group of viruses scientifically known as Orthohantaviruses. These viruses are primarily spread through exposure to infected rodent urine, saliva or droppings. Infection typically occurs when contaminated dust particles become airborne and are inhaled.
Hantavirus infections can lead to two major syndromes: Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), more common in the Americas, and Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), which is more prevalent in Europe and Asia. Both conditions can be severe and, in some cases, fatal.
Initial symptoms often resemble flu-like illness, including fever, fatigue, muscle aches and headaches. Patients may also experience nausea and vomiting. Symptoms usually appear between one and eight weeks after exposure. In more serious cases, the disease can rapidly progress to respiratory failure due to fluid accumulation in the lungs or acute kidney damage.
There is currently no specific antiviral cure for Hantavirus infections. Treatment is largely supportive and may require intensive care, particularly in severe cases involving breathing complications.
Health authorities emphasise that transmission between humans is extremely rare, with most infections linked directly to environmental exposure to rodents. As a result, prevention efforts focus heavily on limiting contact with rodent habitats and waste.
Experts advise sealing homes to prevent rodent entry and using damp cleaning methods, rather than sweeping or vacuuming, to avoid stirring up contaminated dust.
South African health officials have not indicated any immediate cause for widespread concern but say surveillance systems remain active. The NICD is expected to provide further clarity on the confirmed case, including possible exposure history and any risk to the public.
For now, authorities are urging calm while investigations continue, noting that isolated cases, although serious, do not necessarily signal an outbreak.
