Second Hantavirus Case Confirmed in Madrid as Cruise Ship Passengers Remain Locked Down

Spain's Ministry of Health has confirmed a second case of hantavirus among the group of Spaniards who remain in quarantine at the Gómez Ulla Central Defence Hospital in Madrid. The patients were evacuated from a cruise ship, the MV Hondius, following an outbreak detected on board.

The new positive case involves one of the individuals identified as a close contact of the initial outbreak. That person was already in isolation and under medical supervision, following protocols established by the Early Warning and Rapid Response System. According to health authorities, the infection was detected during routine PCR testing. Officials emphasized that this second confirmation does not pose an increased risk to the general population.

The first positive case was confirmed earlier. With this latest result, a total of two positive cases have now been recorded among the Spanish passengers who were evacuated from the vessel.

The remaining twelve Spaniards continue to stay in quarantine at the same hospital, where they remain under medical observation. The health ministry intends to keep the current isolation measures in place until the full 42-day period required by international protocols has been completed.

For now, the patients are locked down, the tests are ongoing, and the count stands at two. Madrid's general population, authorities insist, can breathe normally. The twelve in quarantine, meanwhile, are likely counting the days – all 42 of them.

Written by Sandy van Dongen