The mystery virus is a virus associated with multimammate mice - a kind of wild mouse - who excrete the virus in their urine which can contaminate human food or house dust.
A nurse who worked at the Morningside Medi-Clinic
has been confirmed as having contracted the recently identified arenavirus which led to the deaths of three people.
Clinic spokesperson Melinda Pelser said the nursing sister was receiving treatment and her condition was stable on Monday afternoon.
Yesterday, there was an announcement which said a breakthrough had been made in identifying the mystery virus. The virus was identified a virus associated with multimammate mice - a kind of wild mouse - who excrete the virus in their urine which can contaminate human food or house dust.
The strain of the virus is still unknown.
To date there are 91 people being monitored as a precautionary measure by the private hospital, to 91.
A paramedic being monitored closely is not believed to have the virus.
The people are being monitored in their homes, and results are telephoned in to Morningside Medi-Clinic.
Since September 14, a tour operator from Zambia, the paramedic who accompanied her to South Africa for treatment, and a health worker who came into contact with her, have died.
Morningside Medi-Clinic is in regular contact with the National Institute for Communicable Disease, and a team of local and international experts.
After an inspection, the infection control procedures in place at the hospital were endorsed and said it was declared safe for patients, visitors and medical procedures. -
South Africa: Newly Identified Arenavirus Has Killed Three
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