Second Hantavirus Case Detected Among MV Hondius Passengers In Spain

The Spanish Health Ministry confirmed that one more Spanish national aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius tested positive for hantavirus after an outbreak emerged during an Atlantic Ocean voyage in April.

Spanish authorities evacuated the passengers from Tenerife on May 10 under strict health protocols and shifted them to Madrid’s Gomez Ulla Central Defence Hospital for quarantine and medical observation. Since then, health officials have kept all passengers under preventive quarantine and continuous medical observation.

Officials detected the latest infection during routine PCR testing conducted as part of the ongoing monitoring and isolation process.

Although the patient has not shown any symptoms so far, authorities shifted him to the hospital’s High-Level Isolation Unit for specialised medical supervision and strict biosafety management.

The Health Ministry stated that the new case has not changed the public health risk assessment or the preventive measures already in place.

Officials also confirmed that this is the second positive hantavirus case identified among the quarantined passengers since their arrival in Madrid.

According to reports, the first infected patient continues to recover and has responded well to medical treatment.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) describes hantaviruses as zoonotic viruses that naturally infect rodents and occasionally spread to humans.

Health experts warned that infections can cause severe illness and, in some cases, may prove fatal.

In the Americas, hantavirus infections can trigger Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome (HCPS), a serious disease affecting the lungs and heart.

In Europe and Asia, hantaviruses more commonly cause Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), which mainly affects the kidneys and blood vessels.

Medical experts said no specific cure currently exists for hantavirus infections.

Early diagnosis, close monitoring and supportive medical care can significantly improve survival rates and help manage complications linked to the disease.