With French President Emmanuel Macron assuring that the situation regarding hantavirus is “under control” and the government stating that it has “no indication” of “widespread circulation” of the virus in France, the country’s health authorities remain on high alert and are moving towards the adoption of strict preventive measures to prevent any potential spread.
Speaking from Africa, where he is on an official visit, President Macron said there was no reason for particular concern, as the government has implemented “extremely strict protocols” in consultation with “the best experts.”
The French government has “no indication” of “widespread circulation” of the virus in France, Health Minister Stéphanie Rist said on Tuesday during a press conference. She also announced that she will meet today with members of the National Assembly’s Social Affairs Committee and will subsequently contact other European health ministers.
Of the five French citizens repatriated from the cruise ship MV Hondius, “at this stage, four are in good health and have tested negative,” the minister said. She added that “one patient who tested positive for the virus is in critical condition in an intensive care unit in Paris.”
Regarding monitoring of people who came into contact with infected individuals, the minister said that a total of 22 contact cases have been identified in France.
“All individuals have been contacted, tested, have been hospitalised or are currently hospitalised and are under strict health monitoring,” she said.
She also noted that eight French citizens who travelled from Saint Helena to Johannesburg on 25 April with a Dutch passenger who later died have been “identified, tested and are currently hospitalised”, clarifying that they are of various ages, including children.
Source: CNA
