Zimbabwe Repatriates Three Nationals Exposed To Hantavirus On Ascension Island

Zimbabwe is preparing to receive three healthcare workers who were identified as contacts of a confirmed hantavirus case while on Ascension Island. They reportedly tested negative on a PCR test conducted on Sunday.

In a statement on Monday, 11 May, Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora said that although the three are currently healthy and asymptomatic, the Ministry is taking every scientific precaution to safeguard their well-being and that of the public.

“The Minister of Health and Childcare has been notified of the planned repatriation of three Zimbabwean nationals from Ascension Island to Zimbabwe via a private charter flight,” said Mombeshora.

“The individuals, who are all health workers, were identified as contacts of a confirmed hunter virus case while on Ascension Island.

“The three medical workers tested negative for a PCR test done yesterday, Sunday, the 10th of May 2026. However, all three travellers are currently healthy and are asymptomatic.

“The evacuation has been necessitated by limited isolation and medical management capacity on the island, as well as the availability of a charter aircraft.”

Mombeshora said public health measures are being put in place. Following a risk assessment by Port Health Services, the Ministry has established several precautionary measures.

“The travellers will undergo screening and assessment by port health officials upon arrival at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport,” he said.

“These individuals will remain under active monitoring for symptoms associated with hunter virus infection during the recommended observation period, which will last 45 days.

“Appropriate infection prevention and control measures will be implemented throughout the transfer and monitoring processes.

“Arrangements are being made for the travellers to remain together in a designated private isolation facility during the quarantine period.”

Mombeshora reassured the public that rodents spread hantavirus, and everyday activities in Zimbabwe carry no risk of infection.

“The main route is breathing in contaminated dust. The virus lives in the urine, droppings and saliva of infected rats and mice. When dried droppings, urine or nesting materials are disturbed, the virus becomes airborne as dust,” said the Minister.

“Infection happens when you inhale this dust, usually while cleaning sheds, grain stores or buildings or areas with heavy rodent activity.

“You cannot catch it from talking to, touching or caring for an infected person. It’s not spread by mosquitoes, ticks or flies.

“It’s also not spread through food cooked properly, water or casual contact in markets, schools, offices or public transport.

“Rodent-proof homes, shops and grain stores. Seal walls, store food in sealed containers.”

Mombeshora advised the public to wet surfaces before cleaning rodent-contaminated areas, wear gloves and a mask, and wash hands afterwards.

“The ministry wishes to reassure the public that the situation is under control and that surveillance and response systems remain active and prepared. The Ministry of Health and Childcare is working closely with Port Health services, airport authorities and international partners to ensure the safe repatriation and monitoring of the affected individuals,” he said.

Hantaviruses are a family of viruses carried mainly by rodents, with different strains found worldwide. While they can cause serious illness in humans, person-to-person transmission is extremely rare for most strains.

However, an outbreak of the Andes strain, which can spread between people in rare cases, began on the Dutch-flagged cruise ship MV Hondius after it departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on 1 April 2026.

The vessel visited several remote locations, including Antarctica, South Georgia, Tristan da Cunha, St Helena, Ascension Island and Cape Verde.

Three deaths have been confirmed so far: a Dutch man who died on 11 April, his wife who died in South Africa on 26 April, and a German woman who died on 2 May.

More than eight confirmed and suspected cases have been reported among passengers from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands and other countries.

Since 10 May 2026, passengers have been disembarking in Tenerife, Spain. As of 10 May, the World Health Organisation had confirmed six laboratory cases and three deaths, with contact tracing now spanning more than 12 countries.