Spain’s Ministry of Health confirmed on Monday that a Spanish national evacuated from the MV Hondius has tested positive for hantavirus while undergoing isolation in Madrid.
According to CNN, the patient is among 14 Spanish citizens who were on board the MV Hondius and have been under quarantine at the Gómez Ulla Central Defense Hospital since May 10.
Officials said the individual was identified as a close contact through epidemiological surveillance measures activated after the initial outbreak was detected on the cruise vessel.
The condition is linked to Hantavirus infection monitoring on board the ship.
Following confirmation of the positive result, the patient was moved to the hospital’s High-Level Isolation Unit, where they are receiving specialized care under strict biosafety protocols designed for such infections.
Authorities added that this is the second confirmed case among Spanish passengers and crew members linked to the situation on the MV Hondius.
The Ministry of Health (Spain) sought to calm public concern, stressing that the case was detected within an already active isolation and monitoring system.
As a result, officials said it does not increase the overall risk to the general population nor alter the ongoing epidemiological response measures.
