Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – A rare human-transmissible hantavirus strain is confirmed in South Africa after deaths linked to an international cruise, prompting urgent contact tracing.
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi on Wednesday says preliminary tests identify the Andes strain—the only variant known for human-to-human transmission.
“It is very rare and occurs only through close contact,” he tells lawmakers.
Three passengers from the cruise have died, including one in Johannesburg after evacuation from Saint Helena.
Authorities are tracing nearly 90 individuals linked to the April 25 flight operated by Airlink, including passengers, crew, and hospital contacts.
The World Health Organization confirms two cases and five suspected infections, noting symptoms began with fever and gastrointestinal illness before escalating.
Officials say monitoring continues, stressing that wider public risk remains low despite heightened surveillance.
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Oluwatobi Adu 
