A positive case of the Andes strain of hantavirus, the only one transmissible between humans, was confirmed Thursday in a French-Argentine citizen, currently isolating with his family in Galicia (northeast Spain) after a tourist trip to France during the second half of July. He is now asymptomatic. French health authorities recommended Friday that people who had been in close contact with this tourist, diagnosed with hantavirus in France before isolating himself in Spain, self-isolate at home, reiterating that the risk of transmission is considered "« weak" . " Given the mild and non-severe nature of the symptoms and the very low viral load observed, experts from ANRS-MIE and Public Health France recommend home isolation for contacts, especially those closest to the infected person.«", the Ministry of Health said in a statement on Friday.
The virus can cause death in 301% of cases
Health authorities estimate that the period during which the patient may have been contagious extends from July 18 to 28, according to the statement.« However, the risk of transmission is considered low. It only concerns the closest contacts.«"The ministry indicated, adding that the tracing of potential at-risk contacts"« continues«These contacts primarily include« People living in the same household; people who have shared a room; those with prolonged and close contact, particularly on public transport; and healthcare professionals who have provided care without adequate protection“.
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No connection to the patients on the MV Hondius cruise ship
“ At the time of his diagnosis, while presenting symptoms, the patient already had a very low viral load, indicating a very limited potential for transmission.«"The ministry emphasizes. This isolated case is, it reiterated,« with no connection to the patients of the (cruise ship) MV Hondius of May 2026«", which had led to the identification of 13 cases linked to this episode, including three fatalities.
As a reminder, the Andes hantavirus, initially transmitted to humans by animals such as rodents, can cause serious lung problems and result in death in 30 to 401 cases.
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