Pasteur Sequences Andes Virus, Finds 97% Match to South American Strains
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · May 16
Pasteur Sequences Andes Virus, Finds 97% Match to South American Strains
8 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · May 16
Pasteur Institute fully sequenced the Andes virus from a French MV Hondius passenger and found no sign of mutations that would make it more transmissible or more dangerous.
The virus matched samples from other ship patients and was about 97% similar to Andes strains already circulating in South America, including ones identified in rodents.
French Health Minister Stéphanie Rist said the data will be shared internationally as authorities keep close watch on the hospitalized passenger, who had previously been reported in serious condition.
The cruise-ship outbreak has reached 11 cases, nine confirmed, and three deaths, including a Dutch couple believed to have been first exposed during travel in South America.
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