France confirms hantavirus infection in evacuee from cruise ship outbreak

France has confirmed a case of hantavirus infection in a citizen evacuated from the virus-infected cruise ship MV Hondius, according to French health authorities.

The announcement was made by Stéphanie Rist during an interview on France Inter radio. She said laboratory tests confirmed the infection in a patient who had previously shown symptoms consistent with the disease.

“The patient is being treated at a hospital specialising in infectious diseases, where a range of protective measures have been put in place in the wards, evidently to prevent the spread of the virus,” Rist said.

She also stated that French authorities have identified 22 people who were in contact with infected individuals and are being monitored.

Earlier, Sébastien Lecornu said the French government would implement appropriate measures to protect the population from hantavirus.

The MV Hondius departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1 bound for the Canary Islands. Health officials reported that eight people on board tested positive for hantavirus, and three deaths have been recorded. Around 150 passengers and crew were on the vessel, including citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, and the Netherlands, as well as one Russian crew member.

The ship arrived in Tenerife on May 10, where evacuation and containment measures were coordinated by Spanish authorities.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are currently no approved vaccines or specific treatments for Andes hantavirus, and early medical care remains the primary response. The WHO also stated that the outbreak does not indicate the start of a new pandemic.

By Sabina Mammadli