New hantavius death confirmed by airline. Photo: Shutterstock South African carrier Airlink has confirmed that one infected passenger who had traveled from St Helena Island to Johannesburg on April 25 has died in South Africa.
The airline said there were 82 passengers and six crew members onboard Flight 4Z 132 and that it has since provided passenger details to health authorities to support tracing efforts. Airlink also noted that its Embraer aircraft use HEPA filtration systems that continuously clean cabin air during flights.
"On Sunday, 03 May 2026, Airlink was notified by South Africa’s public health authorities that the passenger from the ship, who had been on the previous week’s flight, had passed away after she arrived in Johannesburg and that her death was thought to be attributable to the rare Hantavirus."
"In accordance with health protocols, Airlink provided the Dept of Health with the names, contact details and seating allocation of the passengers and crew who had been on the flight. This was to enable the health authorities to commence contact tracing. Airlink is also contacting passengers who were on that flight and advising them to contact South Africa’s Department of Health."
On May 6, 2026, the WHO announced a new confirmed case of hantavirus identified in Switzerland in a passenger from the MV Hondius cruise ship.
"There are 8 cases, 3 of whom are confirmed as hantavirus by laboratory testing," further added the WHO yesterday.
Also on Wednesday, the first three infected patients were successfully evacuated to the Canary Islands to receive medical treatment in the Netherlands.
Health authorities in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States, have issued fresh updates regarding the Andes hantavirus outbreak linked to the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius.
The Government of Canada confirmed that Global Affairs Canada is coordinating with international partners and the WHO while communicating directly with Canadian passengers onboard. Consular officers will also be present when the ship docks in Spain’s Canary Islands to assist Canadians during disembarkation.
Canadian officials said no infections have currently been reported among Canadian passengers and stressed that the public health risk in Canada remains low.
In the UK, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed that two people who independently returned from the MV Hondius are currently symptom-free and have been advised to self-isolate.
UKHSA also said a small number of close contacts are being monitored and none are reporting symptoms.
“Our thoughts are with all those affected by the hantavirus outbreak onboard the MV Hondius,” said Dr. Meera Chand.
“It’s important to reassure people that the risk to the general public remains very low,” she added.
The agency said it is working with the Foreign Office, Home Office and Border Force to trace additional individuals who may have traveled on the same flights as confirmed cases.
Meanwhile, CDC Director Jay Bhattacharya said the agency is coordinating with domestic and international partners and monitoring the health of American passengers.
“Hantavirus is not spread by people without symptoms, transmission requires close contact, and the risk to the American public is very low,” Bhattacharya said.