France Reports First Case of Hantavirus from Cruise Ship Outbreak

(MENAFN) France has confirmed its first case of Hantavirus connected to an outbreak on the cruise vessel MV Hondius, following the repatriation of passengers from Spain’s Canary Islands, according to the country’s health authorities.

The health minister said the infected patient is a woman who was among five French nationals evacuated from the ship and flown back to France on Sunday after being transferred from Tenerife. She was transported to the country on a medical repatriation flight that landed near Paris at Le Bourget airport.

Officials reported that the woman began showing symptoms during the flight and later tested positive after arrival. Her condition reportedly worsened overnight following her admission for medical care.

Authorities confirmed that the case is the first linked to the outbreak involving the cruise ship, which had previously triggered evacuation and monitoring measures for passengers returning from the vessel.

Four other French nationals who were on the same evacuation flight tested negative for the virus, but they have been placed under precautionary isolation for at least 15 days. Health officials noted that the duration of isolation may be extended depending on medical evaluations and evolving risk assessments.

Investigators have also identified an additional group of 22 French citizens who may have been exposed during earlier travel linked to the outbreak cluster. These individuals had reportedly traveled on separate routes, including flights between Saint Helena and Johannesburg, as well as between Johannesburg and Amsterdam.

Health authorities continue to monitor all connected passengers as part of ongoing containment efforts aimed at preventing further spread of the disease.

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