France’s Pasteur Institute has fully sequenced the Andes virus detected in a French passenger from the MV Hondius cruise ship, confirming it matches known strains circulating in South America. The analysis found no evidence of new characteristics that would make the virus more transmissible or dangerous.
Core Findings
The virus detected in the French passenger was identical to other cases aboard the ship and about 97% similar to Andes virus samples found in South America, including those identified in rodents. Health Minister Stéphanie Rist stated that the analyzed virus corresponds to known and monitored strains in the region. No elements suggest the emergence of a more transmissible or dangerous form of the virus, according to officials.
Public Health Response
The sequencing work allows for better understanding and close health monitoring, Rist said. The data will be shared with the international scientific community. The French passenger, who tested positive after traveling on the MV Hondius, has been treated in Paris and was previously reported to be in serious condition. The outbreak on the ship has reached 11 cases, with nine confirmed and three deaths, including a Dutch couple believed to be the first exposed while visiting South America.
Viral Characteristics
The Andes virus is the only form of hantavirus known to be transmitted from person to person. Hantaviruses are typically passed to humans through contact with contaminated rodent waste or saliva, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cases can result in severe pulmonary and respiratory distress. The remaining variation in the virus detected among travelers appears to reflect natural viral variation and does not affect its characteristics, according to Jean-Claude Manuguerra, who heads Pasteur’s Environment and Infectious Risk unit.