Seventeen Americans evacuated from a hantavirus-affected cruise ship have arrived in Nebraska for monitoring, with two passengers showing signs of infection. The rare Andes strain involved is transmissible between humans, but officials stress the public risk remains low.
Posts tagged as “South Africa’”
A hantavirus outbreak aboard the Dutch cruise ship M/V Hondius has led to nine cases and three deaths, prompting international quarantine and monitoring efforts. The Andes virus strain involved can spread between people through close contact and causes severe respiratory illness.
A norovirus outbreak on the Caribbean Princess cruise ship has sickened 115 passengers and crew, but onboard activities continue with enhanced sanitation measures in place. The CDC and Princess Cruises are working to contain the virus as the ship completes its Caribbean voyage.
In a major escalation of hostilities, Russia launched a severe overnight bombardment on Ukrainian cities, killing at least nine people and injuring over 70, particularly devastating Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was in South Africa seeking support to end the four-year conflict, announced his immediate return to address the destruction and criticized Russia for its continued aggression. The attack, occurring shortly after former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed to have brokered peace agreements, highlights the fragile nature of peace efforts and has drawn international attention and calls for accountability.
American pastor Josh Sullivan was rescued in South Africa after being kidnapped at gunpoint during a church service in Motherwell Township. The rescue operation, led by the Hawks, involved a shootout at a safe house in Gqeberha, resulting in the deaths of three suspects. While the motives behind the kidnapping remain unclear, the successful rescue highlights the challenges faced by religious communities and the efforts of South African authorities to combat organized crime.
Megan Rapinoe, the U.S. Women's National Team's star striker, said farewell to fans in an emotional final game on Sunday. She provided the long pass to set up a goal and took the corner that resulted in the second goal, before being given a standing ovation as she left the field. Rapinoe has been a leader both on and off the field, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations of soccer players.
At least 58 people have died and 43 have been injured in a devastating fire in a five-story building in Johannesburg, South Africa, that had been taken over by homeless people. Firefighters are searching the building floor-by-floor and the death toll is expected to rise. Robert Mulaudzi, a spokesman for the emergency services, said he had "never come across something like this" in his 20 years of service. The South African government has promised to provide assistance to those affected by the tragedy.
Singer-songwriter Sixto Rodriguez, referred to as "the greatest protest singer and songwriter that most people never heard of" in a 2013 Associated Press story, died Tuesday in Detroit. His albums flopped in the US in the 1970s, but he became a star in South Africa, inspiring white liberals horrified by the apartheid regime. His legacy would take off back home after the Oscar-winning documentary "Searching for Sugar Man" followed two South African fans who set out to discover what happened to their musical hero.