France’s Pasteur Institute has completed genomic sequencing of the Andes virus detected in a French passenger from the MV Hondius cruise ship and has confirmed that it matches viruses already known in South America. Health Minister Stéphanie Rist communicated on social media that there is currently no evidence suggesting the virus has new characteristics that would render it more transmissible or dangerous.
"The analyzed virus corresponds to the viruses already known and monitored in South America," Rist stated. The Andes virus is unique among hantaviruses as it can be transmitted from person to person.
The genomic analysis revealed that the virus found in the French passenger matches other cases aboard the ship and is nearly identical to known Andes virus samples circulating in South America. The information gathered from this sequencing will be shared with the international scientific community for further understanding and health monitoring.
Hantaviruses are primarily transmitted to humans through contact with contaminated rodent waste or saliva, leading to severe pulmonary and respiratory issues. The viruses detected in patients on board the ship were found to be identical to each other, showing about 97% similarity to Andes viruses present in South America.
The French passenger who tested positive after the cruise is currently receiving treatment in Paris and was reported to be in serious condition. The hantavirus outbreak on the ship has led to a total of 10 reported cases, with eight confirmed by the World Health Organization. Tragically, three individuals, including a Dutch couple who were likely the first to be infected during their travels in South America, have died.
Following the ship’s arrival in the Canary Islands, passengers were safely evacuated and returned to their respective countries, including 17 Americans and a British dual citizen. They have since been monitored at the National Quarantine Unit in Nebraska.
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