LISTEN | Hantavirus? Virus 'Hanta" Prof. Tulio de Oliveira answers South Africa’s biggest questions

Updated May 7, 2026, 12:29 p.m. | By East Coast Breakfast

Is this the new Coronavirus? Prof. Tulio de Oliveira speaks on hantavirus, how it spreads, the symptoms to watch out for, and whether South Africans should actually be concerned.

Hantavirus header — Hantavirus / Professor25

As concerns about hantavirus continue to make headlines globally, South Africans are understandably asking questions after a small cluster of cases linked to an international cruise ship led to investigations and contact tracing in Johannesburg.

While health officials say the risk to the public remains low, the virus has drawn attention due to its rare but potentially fatal effects.

ALSO READ: COVID’s not back, but the flu is! - Prof Tulio De Oliviera

Authorities are currently monitoring a handful of linked cases connected to passengers who travelled through Johannesburg after becoming ill aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship.

The Department of Health and the NICD have reassured the public that there is no evidence of widespread community transmission in the country at this stage.

To better understand the virus, the risks, and what South Africans should know, we spoke to Prof. Tulio de Oliveira.

What is Hantavirus?

The hantavirus is not a new discovery. Professor de Oliveira explained that it was first identified in 1976 and has been present primarily in Asia and Europe.

It is typically transmitted through contact with rodent excreta, often affecting individuals on farms or those involved in cleaning up after rodents.

Despite its prevalence in certain regions, the virus maintains a low case fatality rate of approximately one percent, offering some reassurance.

What are the symptoms of Hantavirus?

Though the likelihood of encountering hantavirus in South Africa is exceedingly low, Professor de Oliveira detailed the symptoms associated with different virus variants.

The Asian and European strains primarily affect the kidneys, causing internal bleeding, while the South American variant, responsible for recent concerns, impacts the blood circulation system, leading to potential pulmonary and cardiac complications.

Professor de Oliveira highlighted that initial symptoms are often flu-like, but the progression is rarely witnessed outside the affected geographic zones, like South America, and parts of Europe and Asia.

Should we be concerned?

Concerns were raised due to recent reports of hantavirus outbreaks on a cruise ship originating from Argentina, a hotspot for infections in South America.

Professor de Oliveira clarified that while this virus can spread between humans, it is challenging to transmit. Unlike common transmissible viruses, hantavirus requires intimate contact, which limits its spread dramatically.

In South Africa, the risk of contracting hantavirus remains minimal. Professor de Oliveira confidently noted that an extensive study on rodents within the region revealed no presence of the virus, further alleviating any fears of potential outbreaks.

ALSO READ: LISTEN: WHO warns of possible human-to-human spread in cruise ship hantavirus outbreak

What precautions should you take?

When asked about preventive steps, such as wearing masks or using hand sanitiser, Professor de Oliveira reassured listeners that such measures are unnecessary.

The virus is not airborne and does not spread through casual contact. As the original contagious incident on the cruise ship demonstrates, the virus spread between a married couple due to prolonged close contact, further evidence of its limited transmissibility.