French Health Officials Confirm Severe Case
French Health Minister Stéphanie Rist said Tuesday that a French cruise passenger infected with hantavirus is in critical condition and receiving intensive medical treatment.
According to officials, the patient developed a severe cardiopulmonary form of the virus and is currently on extracorporeal oxygenation support — a life-support system that temporarily replaces lung function while doctors attempt to stabilize the patient.
Health authorities said the patient remains in serious condition as doctors monitor lung damage caused by the virus.
Other French Passengers Test Negative
Four additional French nationals removed from the cruise ship were hospitalized for observation but tested negative for hantavirus and are reportedly recovering well.
Officials emphasized that all confirmed cases so far involve passengers connected to the cruise ship.
France Monitoring More Than 20 Contacts
French authorities launched contact tracing efforts after identifying possible exposures during international flights connected to the passengers’ travel route.
Officials said eight French nationals were identified on a flight between Saint Helena and Johannesburg. Additional travelers were also monitored on a second flight from Johannesburg to Amsterdam, where exposure risk was considered lower because an infected passenger was quickly removed.
In total, France has identified 22 potential contact cases. Authorities said all individuals have been contacted, tested, hospitalized or placed under close medical monitoring as a precaution.
For the latest on the hantavirus, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.