In light of a hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship and the repatriation of cases to France, which prompted a referral by the Directorate General for Health, the HCSP has issued recommendations regarding the handling of the bodies of individuals who have died from infection with the Andes hantavirus.

This opinion specifies measures to prevent the risk of infection and recommendations—tailored to the uncertainties regarding the risk of potential contamination—for healthcare professionals, including related professionals (funeral directors, morticians) caring for the deceased infected patient, as well as for the families and loved ones of the deceased.

The HCSP concludes that there is no evidence of an increased risk of human-to-human transmission based on current knowledge of Hantavirus infection; however, although it is a zoonosis, transmission is possible during close contact.

It considers that the risk of Hantavirus infection remains low during funeral procedures but requires the implementation of measures due to the disease’s high fatality rate and the lack of effective treatment.

This opinion supplements the HCSP’s opinion of June 16, 2023, regarding the handling of the body of a deceased person infected with a respiratory virus