Rhodes University and the Eastern Cape Department of Health have dismissed social media reports claiming there is a hantavirus outbreak in Makhanda, describing the information as false and misleading.
Authorities urged the public not to spread misinformation, stressing that there are currently no confirmed hantavirus cases or outbreaks linked to the area.
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases said hantavirus is a rare but serious disease associated with rodent exposure in endemic countries. Officials explained that recent reported cases were linked to passengers from the MV Hondius cruise ship, with exposure believed to have occurred outside South Africa.
Health authorities added that only two cruise passengers entered South Africa and there is no cause for panic. The World Health Organization is continuing international efforts to monitor and contain the disease.
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi also reassured the public, saying there is no evidence linking local rodents in South Africa or elsewhere in Africa to the virus.
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