Fourways residents discuss hygiene and rodent control after rare hantavirus case
While health authorities say there is no reason for panic, residents believe the recent hantavirus case is a reminder of the importance of keeping communities clean and rodent-free.
Conversations about hygiene and rodent control have gained attention among Fourways residents after news emerged of a British tourist being treated in Sandton for hantavirus, a rare disease mainly spread through contact with infected rodents or their droppings.
While residents say they are not panicking, many believe the case has raised the importance of keeping communities clean and staying informed about diseases linked to poor waste management and rodent infestations.
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“At the moment, I’m not extremely worried about it spreading in South Africa, but I still think people should stay informed and take precautions. It’s always better to understand a disease early, rather than panic later,” said Unathi Fongoqa, a Lonehill resident.
Sihle Buda, another resident, added: “Many people don’t realise that rats and mice can spread serious diseases. Communities need more education about hygiene, waste management, and protecting their homes.”
Others believe keeping neighbourhoods clean should be a shared responsibility.
“Communities should focus on keeping neighbourhoods clean, removing rubbish regularly, and reporting dumping sites. Rodents are often attracted to dirty environments, so cleanliness is very important,” said Sanelisiwe Buda.
The comments come after the department of health confirmed, in a media statement, that a critically ill British tourist tested positive for hantavirus after being transferred to a private hospital in Sandton for specialised treatment.
The patient had been travelling on the cruise ship MV Hondius, which sailed from Argentina toward the Canary Islands with stops including Antarctica, the Falklands, South Georgia, and several Atlantic islands.
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The patient was medically evacuated from Ascension Island after his condition worsened.
“Despite medical treatment provided to him at Ascension, his condition did not improve and necessitated his medical evacuation to a South African private health facility in Sandton for further medical management,” said the department of health’s statement.
“His laboratory test results came back positive for hantavirus, a rare but potentially deadly virus transmitted primarily by rodents. The patient is still in critical condition in isolation but receiving medical attention.”
The department added that there is no reason for public panic, saying that only two passengers from the cruise ship entered South Africa and that contact tracing is underway with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases and Gauteng health authorities.
Residents are encouraged to take simple preventative measures, such as storing food properly, sealing homes against rodents, and avoiding areas showing signs of rodent activity.
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