Motsoaledi provides update on Hantavirus response

By Marcus Moloko

Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi says South Africa is working closely with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) to trace and monitor contacts linked to the recent outbreak of the Andes strain of hantavirus.

As of May 2026, health officials have identified 97 contacts, with 90 already reached and advised to monitor for symptoms over the next six weeks.

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Motsoaledi confirmed that the country’s contact tracing teams are collaborating daily with WHO representatives and the NICD to ensure coordinated surveillance.

“We work with them every day,” he said.

“The contact tracers in South Africa are conducted by the Department of Health, the regional representative of the World Health Organization, as well as the NICD. We’re all working together in this.”

The WHO is currently leading a multi-country