Dr. Angelique Coetzee, vice chair of the Unity Forum of Family Practitioners, urged calm on Friday as the hantavirus outbreak aboard cruise ship MV Hondius has prompted a global response.

"At this stage, there's actually no reason to panic," Dr. Coetzee said, adding that the world is "not dealing with a new pandemic."

Earlier on Wednesday, South African Health Minister Joe Phaahla announced contact tracing was underway with contacts being placed under medical observation.