Emmanuel Macron has said the French government has the hantavirus situation “under control” following a rare outbreak linked to a cruise ship that triggered global health concerns.
The virus was detected aboard the MV Hondius, where three people reportedly died after contracting the virus, which is commonly spread through rodents.
French authorities disclosed that one woman who tested positive for the virus had been hospitalised and remained in stable condition in intensive care.
Speaking during a press conference in Nairobi on Tuesday, Macron said France had implemented “extremely rigorous protocols” based on scientific and medical advice.
He also called for stronger European coordination with the World Health Organization in managing the outbreak.
The French president stressed that the government had taken appropriate measures to contain the situation.
“We have taken the right decisions, the situation is under control under its authority, thanks to our healthcare workers,” Macron stated.
He urged continued vigilance and high health standards while cautioning against comparisons with the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Macron, hantavirus is a known virus and differs significantly from the pathogen responsible for the global coronavirus outbreak.
Earlier, French Health Minister Stephanie Rist said there was no widespread circulation in France of the Andes strain of hantavirus.
The Andes strain is considered particularly concerning because it can spread between humans and currently has no approved vaccine or specific treatment.
Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as investigations into the outbreak aboard the cruise ship continue.
