The number of identified possible contacts linked to the hantavirus outbreak has risen to 97 in South Africa, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has confirmed.
Speaking to SABC News, Motsoaledi said health authorities are working closely with the World Health Organization to trace and monitor all potential exposures linked to the outbreak.
The global alert follows infections detected aboard the MV Hondius, where a hantavirus outbreak has raised international concern.
Hantavirus is typically spread through contact with the urine, faeces or saliva of infected rodents, and may also be transmitted via contaminated surfaces, according to the WHO.
Motsoaledi said tracing efforts include a wide range of potential exposure points, including passengers, ambulance staff and healthcare workers.
“We are concerned about contacts, whether from the plane, the ambulance or health workers. They are all equally contacts,” he said.
He confirmed that of the 97 identified contacts, 90 have already been reached and are under active monitoring for a six-week observation period.
Of those, four are located in the Western Cape, while 86 are in the Gauteng.
Health authorities say tracing and monitoring efforts will continue until all possible exposures have been accounted for as part of efforts to prevent further spread.