It has been months since the last travel related Andes strain Hantavirus case was seen from the cruise-ship out of Argentina. This strain is the only extant one known to be capable of person-to-person transmission. [All other strains are believed to transfer solely via powdered and aersolized rodent feces.]
But as is expected with viral agents, biology ultimately often “finds a way” to replicate its successes — at survival. Thus this travelling case in France, now recovering/isolating in Spain:
…A Franco-Argentine tourist isolated in Spain after testing positive for the rare Andes hantavirus may have been contagious for up to 10 days while traveling through France last month, health officials said Friday.
France’s Health Ministry said the patient, who is isolated with family in Spain’s northwestern Galicia region, may have been contagious between July 18 and July 28.
Officials said the patient had a very low viral load when diagnosed, indicating “very limited” potential for transmission.
Spanish health authorities said Thursday that the patient sought medical care in France for flu-like symptoms before traveling to Galicia. After French officials confirmed the positive hantavirus test, they notified the patient and Spanish authorities.
The French Health Ministry said only close contacts are considered at risk, including people living in the same household, those who shared accommodation or had prolonged close contact during transportation, and healthcare workers who treated the patient without appropriate protective equipment….
Now you know — with a fun, sunny end-of-summer “camp” day ahead with grand-nieces! Woot!
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