A new case of hantavirus in Europe, unrelated to the epidemic on the cruise ship that caused three victims.

The French Ministry of Health announced on Thursday a new case of infection with the Andes strain of hantavirus, in a Franco-Argentinian person who transited through France in the second half of July. The patient, who had mild symptoms, has been placed in isolation along with their family in Spain.

The confirmation of the infection came from the National Reference Center for Hantaviruses (CNR), affiliated with the Pasteur Institute. The ministry emphasized that all necessary measures have been taken to manage the situation, including coordination on a European scale.

Although no link has been found with the hantavirus outbreak on the cruise ship MV Hondius, which led to three deaths, doctors are concerned about the risk of human-to-human transmission, specifically of the Andes strain. Hantavirus is rare, without a vaccine or specific treatment, and most cases are caused by direct infection with rodents. Authorities will provide additional information soon.