The Ministry of Health has said no contact linked to Botswana has so far been identified in connection with an outbreak of hantavirus disease associated with a South Atlantic cruise expedition.
The ministry said in a statement that the outbreak had, by May 7, resulted in eight linked cases, three laboratory-confirmed and five suspected, as well as three fatalities.
According to the statement, confirmed cases have been reported in several European countries and neighbouring South Africa. Authorities in South Africa said some of the cases involved foreign nationals who had transited through the country after disembarking from the vessel, including one confirmed case of a passenger who died shortly after arrival.
“Contact tracing is ongoing. However, there is no contact that has so far been linked to Botswana,” the ministry said.
“There are currently no recommendations for travel restrictions at this time, however, vigilance remains essential, especially for those travelling to, and from affected countries,” the ministry said.
The Ministry described hantavirus as a rare but potentially fatal zoonotic disease transmitted primarily from rodents to humans. While infections are considered relatively uncommon globally, human cases have previously been reported across Europe, Asia and the Americas.
The ministry said infection usually occurs through inhalation of virus particles from rodent urine, droppings or saliva. The risk is highest in areas with significant rodent exposure, including rural environments, wilderness regions and rodent-infested settings.
Human-to-human transmission, the ministry noted, is “extremely rare”.
Older people and individuals with underlying medical conditions face the highest risk of severe illness or death. Symptoms may include fever, headaches and shortness of breath. The government has not imposed travel restrictions.
“There are currently no recommendations for travel restrictions at this time, however, vigilance remains essential, especially for those travelling to, and from affected countries,” the ministry said.
Officials said the government would continue monitoring developments and provide updates where necessary.
