Franco‑Argentin tourist isolated in Galicia after Andes hantavirus case

French health authorities announced a new imported case of hantavirus Andes in a Franco‑Argentin tourist who developed mild respiratory symptoms while in France. After testing positive, the patient travelled to Galicia, Spain, where he is now asymptomatic and isolated together with his family.

The Spanish Ministry of Health confirmed that the case is being managed under existing protocols. The Centre de Coordination des Alertes et d'Urgences Sanitaires (CCAES) and public‑health services in Galicia are tracing possible contacts, while French officials coordinate a European response. The Andes variant can spread between people only after close, prolonged contact, but officials say there is no evidence of wider transmission.

The detection comes about a month after the World Health Organization declared the end of the hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius, which caused three deaths and 13 confirmed cases earlier in the year. Authorities stress that the current case poses a limited public‑health risk.