French Health Authorities Confirm Cruise Ship Hantavirus Matches Known Strains

French health authorities have confirmed that the Andes virus identified in a passenger from the MV Hondius cruise ship outbreak corresponds to known strains circulating in South America. Genomic sequencing conducted by the Pasteur Institute revealed no new mutations that would increase the virus's transmissibility or severity.

Health Minister Stéphanie Rist stated, "The analyzed virus corresponds to the viruses already known and monitored in South America." She added, "At this stage, no element suggests the emergence of a form of the virus that could be more transmissible or more dangerous."

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the outbreak aboard the MV Hondius has resulted in 11 cases, including three deaths. The fatalities include a Dutch couple believed to have been initially exposed to the virus while visiting South America.

Hantaviruses are typically transmitted to humans through contact with contaminated rodent waste or saliva. The Andes virus is notable as the only hantavirus known to spread from person to person.

The Pasteur Institute's analysis found that the virus samples from the affected cruise passengers were nearly identical to each other and 97% similar to known Andes virus strains found in South American rodents. Variations were attributed to natural viral evolution.

Minister Rist emphasized that this sequencing work enhances understanding of the virus and ensures close health monitoring. She noted that the data would be shared with the international scientific community.