France has confirmed first case of hantavirus and the patient is reported to be one of the passengers on the notorious cruise ship where the outbreak began.

Hantavirus outbreak on MV Hondius cruise ship has struck the world with panic and more developments are uncovering details of the deadly disease.

French Health Minister Stephanie Rist confirmed on Monday that a French passenger who was on the cruise ship tested positive for the virus, as per Reuters.

The minister reported that the person’s dealth is unfortunately deteriorating.

Four other passengers who were French, were tested for the virus but they have been ruled out as they tested negative. Meanwhile, 22 people have been identified as contact cases.

Across the pond in US, it was confirmed that an American citizen, who was on the repatriation flight, has been tested “mildly positive” for the virus, while another has mild symptoms.

This development has raised the global count of confirmed hantavirus cases to nine.

The World Health Oragnisation has recommended a quarantine of 42 days for the cruise passengers.

Hantavirus is a disease carried by rodents which affects the respiratory system severely.