New Case Linked To MV Hondius Outbreak
Spain has confirmed a new case of hantavirus connected to the MV Hondius cruise ship, which drew international attention after three people died after contracting the virus during a recent voyage.
The Spanish Ministry of Health said the latest positive case was detected in one of the individuals who remained in preventive quarantine at Gómez Ulla Hospital in Madrid.
Patient Was Already Under Monitoring
Health officials said the case corresponds to a close contact identified through the epidemiological follow-up launched after the initial outbreak was detected.
The ministry added that the patient had already been under clinical surveillance and isolation since admission, in line with protocols established by Spain’s Early Warning and Rapid Response System.
Detected Through Routine Checks
The positive result was found during periodic diagnostic testing carried out on contacts under follow-up.
After confirmation, the patient was transferred to the high-level isolation unit at Gómez Ulla Hospital, where they will remain under specialized medical supervision and strict biosafety measures.
No Change To Public Risk
Spanish health authorities emphasized that the case was detected within an already active isolation and control system.
As a result, officials said the new case does not change the risk level for the general population and does not require changes to the epidemiological response measures currently in place.
Second Spanish Case From The Cruise
The patient is one of 14 Spanish nationals who were aboard the MV Hondius and have been quarantined in Madrid at Gómez Ulla Central Defense Hospital since May 10.
This is the second Spanish passenger from the cruise ship to test positive for hantavirus. The first case was confirmed on May 12 after a passenger evacuated from the vessel tested positive.
Earlier Patient Had Mild Symptoms
At the time, Spain’s Health Ministry said the first patient had a low-grade fever and mild respiratory symptoms, but was stable and showed no evident clinical deterioration.
The other Spanish nationals who were tested at Gómez Ulla Hospital initially returned negative results and remained under quarantine and monitoring.
Spain Updates Quarantine Protocol
On Friday, Spain’s Ministry of Health updated its hantavirus protocol.
Under the revised guidance, contacts who remain symptom-free and test negative by PCR during the first 28 days of hospital quarantine may continue monitoring at home until completing the established 42-day period.
WHO Reports 12 Cases And Three Deaths
World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Saturday that 12 total cases had been reported to the WHO, along with three deaths.
He added that no deaths had been reported since May 2 and that all passengers and crew were now in quarantine with close monitoring so they can receive care if needed.
MV Hondius Undergoes Additional Cleaning
Oceanwide Expeditions, the Dutch company that operates the MV Hondius, said the ship’s planned departure from Rotterdam to Vlissingen had been delayed following advice from GGD Rotterdam for additional cleaning procedures.
The remaining crew members from the original voyage were moved to quarantine facilities, while Captain Jan Dobrogowski was transported to Poland through specialized transport. Dutch crew members have returned home for quarantine where protocols allow.
Operator Says Source Was Likely External
Oceanwide Expeditions said earlier indications strongly suggest the virus was introduced before embarkation and did not originate from the vessel itself.
The company said investigations are ongoing into where the virus may have been contracted, but added that there is currently no indication that the source was linked to the vessel’s condition or onboard operations.
Rare Person-To-Person Spread Possible
Hantavirus is mainly spread through contact with rodents or their urine, saliva or droppings, especially when contaminated material becomes airborne and is inhaled.
The strain involved in this outbreak, known as the Andes virus, can spread between people in rare cases. That possibility has led health authorities to maintain strict quarantine, monitoring and isolation measures for passengers and crew linked to the MV Hondius.
