Version of hantavirus behind deadly outbreak matches known strain, France says
Summary
France’s Pasteur Institute has fully decoded the Andes virus found in a French passenger from a cruise ship. They confirmed it is the same strain known in South America and found no signs it is more contagious or dangerous than before.Key Facts
- The Andes virus found matches known versions circulating in South America.
- This virus is the only hantavirus that can spread between people.
- Ten cases have been linked to the cruise ship, with eight confirmed.
- Three people died, including a Dutch couple exposed to the virus in South America.
- The virus samples from the ship’s patients were nearly identical to each other and 97% similar to South American strains.
- Passengers from the ship were evacuated to the Canary Islands and then flown home.
- American passengers were placed under health monitoring at a U.S. quarantine unit.
- Health officials are sharing virus data with scientists worldwide to track and monitor the virus.
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