French President Emmanuel Macron has assured citizens and the international community that authorities have the hantavirus situation under control following growing concerns over a rare outbreak linked to the cruise ship, MV Hondius.
The outbreak triggered global attention after three passengers reportedly died from complications associated with the virus during the voyage.
French health authorities confirmed that one woman who tested positive for the virus is currently receiving treatment in an intensive care unit and remains in stable condition.
Speaking during a press conference in Nairobi on Tuesday, President Macron said the French government had activated strict health and safety measures based on recommendations from medical experts.
According to him, authorities moved swiftly to prevent further spread of the virus and strengthen coordination with international health agencies.
“We have put in place extremely rigorous protocols,” Macron stated while addressing journalists.
He also stressed the importance of close cooperation among European countries and the World Health Organisation in managing the situation effectively.
The French leader praised healthcare workers for their response efforts and insisted that the outbreak was being handled responsibly.
“We have taken the right decisions, the situation is under control under its authority, thanks to our healthcare workers,” he said.
Macron further called for continued vigilance and public cooperation while urging people not to compare the outbreak with the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to him, hantavirus is a known disease and differs significantly from the virus responsible for the global coronavirus crisis.
The virus was first detected aboard the MV Hondius, a cruise vessel that became the centre of international concern after several passengers reportedly developed symptoms during the trip.
Health experts said the Andes strain of hantavirus is particularly worrying because it can spread between humans, unlike many other strains that are mainly transmitted through rodents.
Earlier, French Health Minister Stephanie Rist said there was currently no evidence of widespread circulation of the Andes strain in France.
She explained that authorities were closely monitoring all suspected cases while maintaining preventive measures to contain possible transmission.
Rist also noted that there is presently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the Andes strain of hantavirus, making early detection and strict monitoring critical.
Meanwhile, health officials across Europe continue to track passengers and crew members linked to the cruise ship as part of broader containment efforts.
The outbreak has prompted increased screening, quarantine measures and emergency coordination among several countries receiving evacuated passengers from the vessel.
