Version of hantavirus behind deadly cruise ship outbreak matches known strain, France says
The Pasteur Institute in France has successfully sequenced the Andes virus found in a French passenger from the MV Hondius cruise ship. The institute confirmed that the virus matches known viruses in South America and has not shown any new characteristics that would make it more transmissible or dangerous.
Health Minister Stéphanie Rist stated on social media that the analyzed virus is consistent with viruses already monitored in South America. There is currently no evidence to suggest the emergence of a more transmissible or dangerous form of the virus.
The Andes virus is the only type of hantavirus that can be transmitted from person to person. Genomic analysis by Pasteur Institute revealed that the virus in the French passenger matched other cases on the ship and closely resembled known Andes virus samples circulating in South America.
Rist emphasized the importance of this sequencing work in understanding the virus and ensuring close health monitoring. The data will be shared with the international scientific community for further research.
Hantaviruses are rare viruses typically transmitted to humans through contact with contaminated rodent waste or saliva. In severe cases, hantavirus infections can lead to pulmonary and respiratory distress.
The French passenger who tested positive for the Andes virus after traveling on the MV Hondius has been receiving treatment in Paris and was previously reported to be in serious condition.
The hantavirus outbreak on the cruise ship has now affected a total of 10 cases, with eight confirmed cases. Tragically, three individuals, including a Dutch couple, have died as a result of the virus. The Dutch couple was believed to have been exposed to the virus while visiting South America, where they encountered the species of rat known to carry the Andes virus.
Following the outbreak, cruise ship passengers were safely evacuated in Spain’s Canary Islands and repatriated to their home countries. Among those repatriated were American and British passengers who arrived in the U.S. and were placed under monitoring at the National Quarantine Unit in Nebraska.
