Frequently asked — Hantavirus in Cape Town

Is hantavirus a current risk in Cape Town?

Cape Town, Western Cape is an endemic region for hantavirus. Current risk level is low, with 0 active and 0 year-to-date confirmed cases. African hantaviruses (Sangassou, Bowe) detected; clinical disease rare.

Which hantavirus strain is found in Western Cape?

The primary circulating strain in Western Cape is Seoul, carried by the multimammate mouse. Pandemic Watch tracks every official Seoul alert from CDC, PHAC, UKHSA, ECDC, and WHO and surfaces them on this page in real time.

How is hantavirus transmitted in South Africa?

Hantavirus is transmitted primarily through inhalation of aerosolized rodent urine, droppings, or saliva — most commonly when disturbing rodent-infested enclosed spaces such as cabins, sheds, or barns. Direct rodent bites are a rarer transmission route. There is no documented sustained human-to-human transmission of Seoul.

What are the symptoms of hantavirus infection?

Early symptoms (1–8 weeks after exposure) include fever, fatigue, severe muscle aches in the thighs, hips, and back, headache, dizziness, chills, and abdominal issues. Late-stage Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) progresses rapidly to coughing and shortness of breath caused by fluid in the lungs. Anyone with these symptoms and a possible rodent exposure should seek emergency care immediately.

How can residents and travelers in Cape Town protect themselves?

Seal entry points to keep rodents out of homes, set traps, and never sweep or vacuum dry rodent droppings. Wet down contaminated areas with a 10% bleach solution, wear an N95 respirator and gloves during cleanup, and ventilate enclosed spaces for 30+ minutes before entry. Travelers should avoid sleeping in cabins with visible rodent activity.

Where does Pandemic Watch get Cape Town hantavirus data from?

All alerts on this page are pulled directly from official public health sources: CDC NNDSS for the United States, PHAC NML for Canada, UKHSA for the United Kingdom, ECDC for Europe, and WHO Disease Outbreak News globally. Feeds are ingested every 15 minutes and matched against Cape Town, Western Cape, and South Africa.