France releases most hantavirus contacts from isolation after cruise outbreak

Around 22 French passengers who were potentially exposed to a Dutch traveller infected with hantavirus on the cruise ship Hondius have been released from three weeks of hospital isolation, the French health ministry said. Four other French contacts will remain isolated until June 21. The only French case confirmed positive remains in intensive care in Paris in a stable condition.

The Dutch passenger died in April after contracting the virus during the cruise. The released individuals had travelled on the same international flights as the Dutch case, one from Saint Helena to Johannesburg and another departing Johannesburg. None of the released contacts tested positive for the virus. The outbreak prompted strict French containment measures, later deemed legal by the courts, and has now entered a de‑escalation phase.