France confirms hantavirus case from cruise ship outbreak

France has confirmed that a passenger evacuated Sunday from the hantavirus-stricken MV Hondius cruise ship has tested positive for the virus, the French health authority said Monday, according to RFI English.

Several contacts are being isolated as health officials conduct contact tracing procedures. The confirmation marks the first European shore-based diagnosis linked to the outbreak aboard the vessel in South American waters.

French authorities are monitoring additional passengers and crew members who may have been exposed.