Spanish Cruise Evacuee Tests Positive for Hantavirus in Madrid Hospital

Hantavirus cases rise amid cruise ship evacuation

A Spanish national under quarantine at a Madrid military hospital has tested positive for hantavirus. This is the second case among 14 Spanish nationals evacuated from the MV Hondius, which had around 150 passengers and crew from 23 countries.

The Health Ministry stated that this does not alter the overall risk level for the population. The individual was moved to an isolation unit at Gómez Ulla Hospital after confirmation of infection.

Passengers were removed from the ship due to concerns over a potential outbreak, leading to medical screenings by health authorities. Those who tested positive are receiving care and being monitored for symptoms linked to hantavirus, which can result in severe respiratory and flu-like illnesses. Health officials continue tracing exposure routes and assessing if more passengers may have been affected during the voyage.