President Emmanuel Macron has said the hantavirus situation linked to a cruise ship outbreak is “under control”, after the rare virus triggered international concern following multiple deaths aboard the MV Hondius.
Speaking during a press conference in Nairobi on Tuesday, May 12, Macron said French authorities had responded with “extremely rigorous protocols” based on expert medical advice. He also called for close coordination between European countries and the World Health Organization in managing the outbreak.
The French president said: “The situation is under control under its authority, thanks to our healthcare workers.” Macron urged continued “mobilisation, vigilance and high standards” while warning people not to compare the outbreak to Covid 19.
According to him, hantavirus is “a known virus” and differs from the pathogen that caused the global coronavirus pandemic. The outbreak was detected aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, where three people reportedly died after contracting the virus, which is commonly spread through contact with infected rodents.
French health officials confirmed that one woman who tested positive for the virus remains hospitalised in intensive care but is currently in stable condition. Earlier, French Health Minister Stephanie Rist said there was no evidence of widespread circulation of the Andes strain of hantavirus in France.
She noted that the strain is particularly concerning because it can spread between humans and currently has no approved vaccine or treatment.
