Airlink says it has provided passenger and crew details to the World Health Organization and South African health authorities following the death of a Dutch passenger linked to a hantavirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship.
The woman had travelled on an Airlink flight from Saint Helena to OR Tambo International Airport on April 25 after disembarking from the virus-stricken MV Hondius. Her husband had earlier died aboard the vessel.
According to the airline, the passenger was scheduled to board a connecting flight to the Netherlands but collapsed at OR Tambo before departure. She later died at a nearby medical facility.
Airlink confirmed that there were 82 passengers and six crew members on board flight 4Z 132 from Saint Helena. The airline said it was unaware at the time that any passengers were ill.
Once notified of the situation, Airlink handed over the full flight manifest, including names, contact details and seating arrangements, to the Department of Health to assist with contact tracing efforts.
The hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship has so far claimed three lives. A British passenger who had also been aboard the vessel is currently receiving treatment in Johannesburg.
Health authorities are continuing to trace individuals who may have come into contact with the confirmed cases after they arrived in South Africa.
Airlink has urged all passengers who travelled on flight 4Z 132 to contact the Department of Health for further guidance and screening procedures.