Daijiworld Media Network - Madrid

Madrid, May 26: Spain’s Ministry of Health has confirmed a new positive case of hantavirus among a group of Spanish nationals who were passengers aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius during an outbreak reported in April while the vessel was crossing the Atlantic Ocean.

The infected individual is among 14 Spanish passengers who were evacuated from Tenerife on May 10 in a controlled medical operation and later placed under preventive quarantine at the Gomez Ulla Central Defence Hospital in Madrid.

According to the Health Ministry, the latest case was identified during routine PCR testing carried out as part of ongoing monitoring and isolation protocols.

Officials stated that the patient is currently asymptomatic and has been transferred to the hospital’s High-Level Isolation Unit (UATAN), where specialised medical care and strict biosafety measures are being maintained.

Authorities emphasised that the newly detected case does not increase the risk to the general public and does not require any changes to the current epidemiological control measures already in place.

This is the second hantavirus infection confirmed among the quarantined Spanish passengers since their arrival in Madrid. The first patient, who had developed symptoms earlier, is reportedly recovering well.

According to the World Health Organization, hantaviruses are zoonotic viruses commonly carried by rodents and can occasionally spread to humans. Infections may cause severe illness and can sometimes prove fatal, depending on the strain and geographic region.

In the Americas, hantavirus infections are associated with Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome (HCPS), a serious condition affecting the lungs and heart. In Europe and Asia, the virus is more commonly linked to Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), which impacts the kidneys and blood vessels.

Health experts note that there is currently no specific cure for hantavirus infections. Treatment mainly focuses on early supportive care, close monitoring and management of complications involving the respiratory, cardiac and renal systems.
Preventive measures largely depend on reducing human exposure to infected rodents and contaminated environments.