₦airaland Forum

SA health minister on the outbreak

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1aOIAkoScU?si=gD0B9zmkxiOaBP5Q

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that seven cases of hantavirus has been identified, with two laboratory confirmed cases of hantavirus and five suspected cases.

On May 2 2026, a cluster of passengers with severe respiratory illness aboard a cruise ship was reported to the WHO.

The ship is carrying a total of 147 individuals, including 88 passengers and 59 crew members, with the onboard passengers and crew representing 23 nationalities. As of Monday, seven cases have been identified, including three deaths, one critically ill patient and three individuals reporting mild symptoms.

"Illness onset occurred between 6 and 28 April 2026 and was characterised by fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, rapid progression to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome and shock. Further investigations are ongoing," WHO said.

The organisation said the outbreak is being managed through a coordinated international response, and includes in-depth investigations, case isolation and care, medical evacuation and laboratory investigations.

"Human hantavirus infection is primarily acquired through contact with the urine, faeces, or saliva of infected rodents. It is a rare but severe disease that can be deadly. Although uncommon, limited human to human transmission has been reported in previous outbreaks of Andes virus (a specific species of hantavirus)."

WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR

Laboratory testing conducted in South Africa confirmed hantavirus infection in one patient who is critically ill and in intensive care. On May 3, one additional death was reported. A further three suspected cases remain on board. As of Monday, a total of seven (two confirmed and five suspected) cases, including three deaths, have been reported.

The vessel departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1 2026 and followed an itinerary across the South Atlantic, with multiple stops in remote and ecologically diverse regions, including mainland Antarctica, South Georgia, Nightingale Island, Tristan da Cunha, Saint Helena, and Ascension Island.

It is worth noting that the extent of passenger contact with local wildlife during the voyage, or prior to boarding in Ushuaia remains undetermined. As of Monday, the vessel is moored off the coast of Cabo Verde.

BREAKDOWN OF THE CASES

Case 1: An adult male developed symptoms of fever, headache, and mild diarrhoea on April 6 2026 while on board the ship. By April 11, the case developed respiratory distress and died on board on the same day. No microbiological tests were performed. The body of the passenger was removed from the vessel to Saint Helena (a British Overseas Territory) on April 24.

Case 2: An adult female, who was a close contact of case 1, went ashore at Saint Helena on April 24 2026 with gastrointestinal symptoms. She subsequently deteriorated during a flight to Johannesburg, South Africa, on April 25. She later died upon arrival at the emergency department on 26 April. On Monday, the case was subsequently confirmed by PCR with hantavirus infection. Contact tracing for passengers on the flight has been initiated.

Cases 1 and 2, had travelled in South America, including Argentina, before they boarded the cruise ship on April 1 2026.

Case 3: An adult male presented to the ship's doctor on April 24 2026 with febrile illness, shortness of breath and signs of pneumonia. On 26 April, his condition worsened. He was medically evacuated from Ascension to South Africa on April 27, where he is currently hospitalised in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Laboratory testing on an extensive respiratory pathogen panel was negative; however, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing confirmed hantavirus infection on May 2 2026. Serology, sequencing and metagenomics are ongoing.

Case 4: An adult female, with presentation of pneumonia, died on May 2 2026. The onset of symptoms was on April 28, with fever and a general feeling of being unwell.

Three suspected cases have reported high fever and/or gastrointestinal symptoms and remain on board.

HOW HANTAVIRUS IS TRANSMITTED

• Primarily through contact with infected wild rodents
• Inhalation of airborne particles from rodent urine or droppings
• Consuming food contaminated by rodent urine or droppings
• Rarely through bites or scratches

EARLY SYMPTOMS OF HANTAVIRUS

• Fever and chills
• Headache and dizziness
• Intense muscle aches

KLEINBASS:
By Crime Desk

WHAT HAPPENS IF THEY ARE CAUGHT

Illegal entrants face deportation and a 5-year ban from South Africa for being declared undesirable. Recent court cases have added up to 2 years in prison for immigration violations alone, on top of sentences for other crimes.

I'm glad there's jail time now than just mere deportations alone. Even that 5 year ban is too lenient.

helinues:
Which could be more factual with migrants issue with a country with national identity card or the one with no national identity card?

Argue this logically

Again, one is factual and the other hypothetical. We can't be arguing hypothetically with countries that don't even have ID systems or their house in order.

helinues:
Just logical arguments, are you aware we don't have a national identity card in Nigeria!

Then let's not compare apples with oranges especially when SA speaks from a factual basis and Nigerians speak hypothetically.

helinues:
Just type how many Chadians, Nigérians, Beninonse are in Nigeria. Easy google search

Please do it for me, and quote credible sources please. Let's talk facts, not myths (which is a past time in Nigeria).

Here's that AU-IOM report that says SA is the biggest destination for African migrants.

https://publications.iom.int/system/files/pdf/pub2023-132-r-iom-au-africa-migration-report-second-edition_0.pdf

helinues:
How can you or Au know when we don't complain about it.

As long as you a black person in Nigeria, your nationality is irrelevant

Are Ugandans and Ethiopians complaining?

My guy, where's your proof Nigeria has a worse migration crisis than SA?

helinues:
Again, that's what you South Africans don't know. The Niger, Chad even Benin people have been flocking Nigeria for decades which the government haven't considered any solutions to them apart from partial border closure. Somehow, we always see them as part of us

What you are experiencing is not up to 30% of the immigration crisis in Nigeria

Do you have an idea about how many illegal Chinese, India, Lebanese in Nigeria? hahah they are even controlling some natural resources

I'm quoting facts from AU and International Organization for Migration and they don't mention Nigeria. Instead you're a net exporter of migrants.

What supports your argument that immigration crisis in Nigeria is worse than SA's?

helinues:
The protest in Nigeria, what have they always been about? Are they about foreigners should leave our country because they are taking our jobs?

Do you have an illegal migration crisis similar to South Africa's? AU-IOM reports show SA hosts 20% of Africa's migrants, followed by CIV, Uganda and Ethiopia.

So you can't compare SA to Nigeria. Please rest your mouth and fingers on this matter.

IronGalaxy:
Their obsession with the word "lazy" is mind-boggling..its as if is the first English word they learn at school

It's mind boggling.

Same as with this helinues who wants to claim Nigerians don't protest on weekdays because they're the most productive people on earth and there are no unemployed people in japageria.

EponObi:
He can leak votes from SA to the Strait of Hormuz. Who cares?

He spoke and I quoted him.

Again, thank you for your attention on this matter.

You should care because soon you won't have a spokesperson whose insults you can quote.

Shalom, happy visa hunting for the rest of your day.

EponObi:
Direct your complaint to Julius Malema.

Thank you for your attention on this matter.

Julius Malema who's bleeding votes🇳🇬👎🏽? Who else is your spokesperson in SA, I wanna direct the matter to them instead.

Kindly assist, dear.

EponObi:
.

If you are planning on going to SA for vacation, business, or whatever, you better skip. Those lazy SA guys no longer listen to Julius Malema, after telling them black foreigners are not their problem; that they themselves are lazy and don't work If you enter SA and they knack you wetin no good, you go use am hold body like that ni ooo. That's if there's anything left of your body.

And you wonder why South Africans don't like you - full of insults. As if Nigeria is the most developed country in all of Africa and whole wide world coz apparently everyone else is "lazy".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUgf-CIyQ8s?si=l7uaNdpoyDfpeaA6

Nigeria is taking steps to facilitate the permanent repatriation of its citizens from South Africa, a move that signals growing alarm over escalating anti-migrant sentiments and a climate that is becoming increasingly hostile for foreign nationals.

The announcement follows weeks of mounting tension, with protests targeting foreign nationals and renewed concern over the treatment of undocumented immigrants.

Although Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) has maintained there is no accurate estimate of Nigerians living in the country illegally, reports in 2023 suggested that more than 500,000 Nigerians may be undocumented.

VIDEO: How many undocumented foreign nationals are in SA?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTYdRJYNmL0?si=cOdB6EhZdqDXFkWt

Frank Onyekwelu, president of the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA), confirmed that the Nigerian Consulate is working closely with the organisation to assist those seeking to return home.

“The Nigerian Consulate in conjunction with NICASA has offered a free repatriation flight to any Nigerian who wishes to leave South Africa permanently, and the process is ongoing,” he said, adding that several individuals have already registered.

Many Nigerians have long viewed South Africa as a land of opportunity, but that promise is now increasingly overshadowed by fear.

Nigeria’s move to repatriate some of its citizens from South Africa comes against a backdrop of escalating tensions, violent unrest and increasingly hostile rhetoric directed at foreign nationals, particularly Nigerians, across parts of the country.

In recent weeks, a series of flashpoints has underscored just how volatile the situation has become.

In the Eastern Cape, violence erupted in KuGompo after protests over the alleged coronation of a Nigerian traditional leader spiralled into chaos. Vehicles were damaged, buildings set alight and police were forced to intervene.

The unrest prompted the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria to issue a stark warning, urging its citizens to “maintain a low profile at all times”, suspend social gatherings and avoid public demonstrations amid what it described as “palpable tension”.

Diplomatic strain has also begun to surface. Last month, Ghana summoned South Africa’s top envoy after a video circulated online showing a Ghanaian man being confronted and asked to produce immigration documents.

On the ground, anti-immigration movements have gained momentum.

Groups such as March and March have staged protests demanding the removal of foreign nationals from township economies, while Operation Dudula has intensified campaigns targeting foreign-owned businesses, often forcing shop closures and fueling confrontations.

The rhetoric has drawn sharp political responses.

Addressing supporters during a Workers’ Day rally in Marikana, EFF leader Julius Malema criticised the protests, warning that they risk misdirecting public anger.

“Let’s ask a question: after you march and say you don’t want Zimbabweans, Nigerians, and Ghanaians, you close their shops. Why are you then not telling us that you expelled 10 Zimbabweans and were able to give jobs to 10 South Africans,” he said.

Meanwhile, inflammatory content circulating on social media has further heightened tensions.

In one widely shared video, three Nigerian men are seen stomping on a South African flag while waving their own. In the footage, one of the men declares: “We love our country... leave us alone… stop killing our men.”

The video has sparked outrage and added fuel to an already charged environment.

Amid the rising tensions, President Cyril Ramaphosa used his recent May Day address to urge calm, calling on citizens to raise concerns about illegal migration through lawful channels rather than resorting to vigilantism.

"We did not walk alone into freedom. We were carried by a tide of solidarity from the nations of Africa, among many others," Ramaphosa said.

"These countries opened their borders to our liberation fighters. They shared their bread and their homes. They spoke for us when we could not speak for ourselves. The leaders and people of Africa kept our Struggle alive," Ramaphosa said.

Onyekwelu admitted that South Africa, like many nations around the world, has real problems with crime, unemployment, border security, and the strain on public resources.

“However, it is dangerous and unfair to reduce these complex socio-economic issues to anti-foreigner sentiments or to create the impression that foreign nationals are the primary cause of the country’s problems.”

“We Took Our Protest To The South African High Commission In Abuja… But The Ambassador Refused To Face Us Even With Heavy Police Presence, Cites Fear.” pic.twitter.com/MEq39CE6oX

— Somto Okonkwo (@General_Somto) May 1, 2026

A group of Nigerians staged a protest outside the South African High Commission in Abuja, calling for the protection of Nigerians living in South Africa amid rising tensions and anti-foreigner sentiments. A clip circulating on social media shows a small group of about 12 people requesting a message with the ambassador outside the High Commission. The group claimed that they had come peacefully to deliver a message. The group was denied entry Security and police barricaded the SA High Commission building in Abuja, preventing the group from entering, an action which they found offensive.

“We are just twelve of us, but the High Commissioner said she is afraid to come out and engage with us and would rather come back later “I didn’t know these people are cowards like this," one of the protesters said. Addressing police officers stationed at the premises, one protester added:

“We just want her to know that we want them to protect our people over there.” They insisted their action was not a protest but a “notice,” alleging that “South Africans are killing Nigerians.” After a back-and-forth with officials who told them they needed to book an appointment, the group eventually dispersed.

The demonstration comes as the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has raised alarm over what it describes as worsening hostility toward Nigerians and other black immigrants in parts of South Africa.

In a statement, NIDCOM Chairperson/CEO Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa said there were growing reports of fear and insecurity among Nigerian nationals. The commission said reports indicate that some Nigerian-descended pupils are afraid to attend school, while business owners are reportedly staying away from their shops due to fears of targeted attacks, looting, and harassment.

NIDCOM also stressed that it rejects any form of profiling or collective blame against Nigerians. “Crime has no nationality. Any individual, regardless of origin, who commits an offence should be investigated and made to face the full penalty of South African law,” the statement read. It further warned that “collective punishment and blanket labelling of an entire nationality are unacceptable and dangerous.”

PulaPower:
How credible is the news?

Did it happen for real?

🤷🏾‍♂️ Don't know.

franchasofficia:
See them black xenophobes chesting out as if they ever made any meaningful contribution towards making South Africa a moderately developing country it is.

They even tried this xenophobic attack against whites and they chased them away and they never tried the nonsense again

South Africa was made what it is today by White South Africans but see the black South Africans fighting to destroy what White South Africans built.

Whites this, whites that. Go home and fix your country.

SA has had a black government for 32 years that has ensured we don't become a Nigeria with japa syndrome.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRWKpfjj2dA?si=V57hYBecG8HkX0x7

The controversial anti-migrant movement March and March has given Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi seven days to respond to its memorandum of demands, warning that if its demands are not met, they will continue with their demonstrations.

Hundreds of protesters marched to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature over alleged crimes involving undocumented foreign nationals and unauthorised religious leaders.

The demonstrators gathered at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown before marching to the legislature.

Participants included members of March and March, Operation Dudula, ActionSA, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and the MK Party.

The groups accuse the government of failing to act decisively against undocumented migration.

The march took place under heavy police and metro police presence. Tensions escalated in the Johannesburg CBD, where members of the March and March group, some carrying sjamboks (whips), ordered foreign shop owners to close their businesses.

Several businesses shut down as tensions rose and threats intensified.

Addressing supporters at the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese Zuma said they want all illegal foreigners returned to their countries.

“We want all the stores in the city premier to be owned by South African citizens.”

“What we are demanding, as we have seen from the SIU (Special Investigating Unit), is action against those who obtain documents unlawfully to remain in the country. We want every person who enters South Africa to have their documentation reviewed and for those found to be in the country illegally to be deported to their country of origin.”

Zuma also criticised the police, saying there are corrupt officers working with illegal foreigners.

“We want police officers who have integrity. If your seniors are working with illegal foreigners that has got nothing to do with you. Down with corrupt police officers down! Down with corrupt police officers! If your seniors are corrupt they must also be arrested.”

She also accused the government of failing to act decisively against undocumented migration.

The group is calling for tighter immigration controls, stricter visa regulations, a review of asylum policies, action against businesses employing undocumented foreign nationals, accountability for corrupt police officers, and limits on services for undocumented migrants.

ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba told IOL News that the party wants all undocumented immigrants sent back to their countries.

“We want all the government to send all illegal foreigners back to their countries, we have got enough of our own problems. We have been asking for a long time and now we say enough is enough and get these people out of our country so that we can deal with our own problems.”

Mashaba claimed inaction could fuel xenophobia.

“By not having this march I can tell you it's going to incite xenophobia, right now I am dealing with a case of the disappearance of Mazwi Khubheka, a 27-year-old from Vosloorus, who was kidnapped and hijacked by foreigners nationwide.”

He added, “Now you expect us to sit back and say we’re going to incite xenophobia? In fact by not doing anything we are going to allow ourselves to be taken over by criminal syndicates. If our government had dealt with this 20 years ago we would not be dealing with this situation.”

Khubheka went missing on April 2 while on his way to deposit rent money and purchase stock in Marimba Gardens.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi received the protesters’ memorandum but declined to address the crowd at length, saying the government would respond within seven days.

However, he was booed as he left the gathering shortly after speaking.

Similar protests have also been seen in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape as the movement gains momentum.

In a statement after the march, the government said it noted ongoing public discourse on immigration and reaffirmed its commitment to sovereignty, security and the rule of law.

Government spokesperson William Baloyi said efforts are being strengthened to address illegal immigration, including tighter border controls and reforms to the immigration system.

“(The) government is strengthening measures to address illegal immigration, including tightening border controls to combat unlawful entry, illicit trade, and fraudulent activities that undermine revenue collection and the rule of law.”

“These efforts form part of a broader programme to modernise and reform South Africa’s immigration and border management system into one that is secure, efficient, and responsive to the needs of a modern economy.”

He said reforms include the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system and upgrades at major ports of entry, including Lebombo, Beitbridge, Oshoek, Kopfontein, Maseru Bridge and Ficksburg.

Baloyi said deportations have increased by 46% and that since April 2023 the Border Management Authority has deported 500,000 people.

He added that 10,000 additional labour inspectors will be hired to strengthen enforcement of labour laws.

Baloyi said the government will continue working with relevant stakeholders to ensure that immigration is managed in a manner that protects national interests and the safety of citizens, while promoting economic growth and maintaining social cohesion.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, speaking during his Freedom Day address over the weekend, called for restraint and warned against xenophobia, saying South Africa’s freedom struggle was supported by African countries.

“We did not walk alone into freedom. We were carried by a tide of solidarity from the nations of Africa, among many others.”

“These countries opened their borders to our liberation fighters. They shared their bread and their homes. They spoke for us when we could not speak for ourselves. The leaders and people of Africa kept our struggle alive.”

“It cannot be, and it must never be, that we trample into the dust the African fellowship that made our freedom possible.”

Nlfpmod

kullozone:
Non of you guys are exempted from the xenophobic issue. You all support it one way or the other... Even your president and security operatives. We watched videos of local security operatives initiating these attacks and also doing nothing to prevent or stop them.
There's no excuse on this... You'll be very insincere if you try to defend anything. It is too bad. If you don't want immigrants, the authorities can round up people and deport them instead this unjustified citizen crowd violence.
There's one witch called Jacinta who lies and breathes wickedness all because she thinks immigrants/Nigerians are taking their "jabs"

I condemn the rubbish going on in my country every single day.

Take us to the ICJ and we'll be the ones proving Nigeria is exporting criminals to the world. Ask Israel what we did to them - no African country can touch us when they're exporting criminals and illegal aliens.

We look forward to the investigations - SA military and metro cops are not known for brutality. The wild Nigerians provoked them

Jangbajantis:
Even if it’s “law enforcement,” that doesn’t automatically settle anything. People dying in YOUR custody or after arrest still raises serious questions that can’t just be waved off.

And “it’s not xenophobia” isn’t a get-out-of-jail-free card for accountability. If there’s any abuse of power, it still has to be fully investigated and explained.

At the same time, let’s stick to facts and due process.Bottom line: African lives shouldn’t need debates or labels before they’re treated with dignity and proper accountability.

The headline says it's xenophobia and all comments are taking it as gospel truth. Deal with that misrepresentation first.

Lionessza6:
"After an altercation with members of the Tshwane Metro Police"


Ok.

https://iol.co.za/news/crime-and-courts/2024-04-27-eight-nigerian-men-accused-of-attacking-cops-remain-behind-bars/

Maybe it was an altercation like the above ?

My thoughts exactly - they're in the habit of getting into altercations with law enforcement officers and expect not to get gunner down. Something South Africans don't do around our cops.

I don't believe this report, by the way.

Allegedly killed by law enforcement officers (military and metro cops). This is hardly xenophobic violence. Are Nigerians going to ask the relevant questions as to the circumstances that led to this or automatically conclude it's xenophobic attacks?

IronGalaxy:
I see one xenophobia merchant watching this thread like a hawk

😂💩 Seppuku

IronGalaxy:
It lacks context for a reason, they wanna create a perception..

Unfortunately for them official investigations will contradict the misperception they intend to create. I'll be on the story 🤓

God1000:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1022821163758172/?app=fbl

What is the context for this violence - it lacks context and has therefore left the impression that it's a xenophobic attack.

I expected better from you. It's highly unlikely a set of women would attack a man for being a foreigner.

JaceBlaze:
Wait a sec...so the spineless Ghanaian president will not call his people to order for chasing Nigerian immigrants out of his country but he wants to summon our South African president to answer for ssshenophobia in SA? Whaaat?

All these African countries exporting criminals and illegal aliens should know SA is very good at building a case against other governments. They should ask Israel at the International Court of Justice.

REDshouse:
When ShopRite left it was easily occupied and taken over by indegeneous company... no one feels their impact same will happen if others leave ...you can only threaten Countries like Ghana, Kenya Lesotho etc not Nigeria....we don't care ...ask lever brothers, Dunlop etc ...who cares if they stay or leave

The same Shoprite with empty stores and shelves today? 😂😂😂

femi4:
See who's talking about ebola...the HQ of hiv

Look who's talking... The one obsessed with the HQ of HIV and it's women.

femi4:
See who's talking about ebola...the HQ of hiv

Look who's talking... The one obsessed with the HQ of HIV and it's women.