South Africa’s (SA) Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has called for calm as authorities investigate suspected Hanta virus cases in the country.

A 70-year-old man died after falling ill while travelling to St Helena Island, while his 69-year-old spouse later collapsed at OR Tambo International Airport and also died. The couple were passengers on an international cruise ship travelling from southern Argentina to the Canary Islands via Cape Verde.

Several passengers reportedly developed severe respiratory symptoms while the vessel passed through SA waters.

Motsoaledi says no outbreak has been declared and urged the public not to panic while investigations continue.

–ChannelAfrica–