The individual's health is deteriorating, according to Reuters. Le Figaro cited epidemiologist Arnaud Fontanet, director of the emerging diseases epidemiology unit at Vien Pasteur, stating the female passenger's condition is evolving "quite rapidly".

According to the expert, when patients contract the virus, they can develop lung symptoms. In this patient's case, the virus's progression is "faster than usual". She began showing symptoms on 10/5 while on her repatriation flight to France.

This individual is one of 5 French citizens who were on the MV Hondius. The remaining 4 passengers have been hospitalized, according to Minister of Health Stephanie Rist. Although all 4 tested negative for Hantavirus, Minister Rist stated that additional tests are planned.

'They will remain hospitalized until further notice, with a minimum isolation period of 15 days', the health minister said.

Five French citizens on the MV Hondius were repatriated on 10/5. Photo: Reuters.

Speaking on France Inter, Rist stated that authorities have traced 22 French citizens who had close contact with Hantavirus patients on two flights on 25/4: one from Saint Helena (UK) to Johannesburg (South Africa) and another from Johannesburg to Amsterdam (Netherlands).

Of these, 8 from the first flight were isolated nearly a week ago; the remaining 14 from the second flight were asked to self-isolate at home but must proactively contact health authorities for specific guidance and monitoring.

'It is crucial to act early and break the chains of virus transmission. This is a key task we are coordinating with the prime minister', Minister Rist said. She also announced a decree issued today to tighten isolation measures for exposed individuals, aiming to protect the community from a potential outbreak.

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu will chair an emergency meeting this afternoon at the Prime Minister's Office to 'closely monitor the situation' regarding Hantavirus. Asked if France has enough masks and test kits to respond to a potential crisis, Rist affirmed: 'Yes, France is ready'.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recorded the first Hantavirus infection on the Hondius cruise ship on 2/5. This virus has a mortality rate of 40-50%, posing a particular risk to the elderly, while the average age of passengers on the Hondius is 65.

On the afternoon of 10/5 (Vietnam time), the MV Hondius, carrying Hantavirus, arrived at Granadilla port (Tenerife island, Spain), initiating a multinational medical evacuation operation. Passenger groups were brought ashore in small boats. Numerous countries dispatched special aircraft to repatriate their citizens.

Ambulances transporting French passengers from the Hondius cruise ship leave Le Bourget Airport, Paris suburbs, on 10/5, after their repatriation flight landed. Photo: AFP.

By Binh Minh (According to Reuters, Le Monde, Le Figaro)