Spanish health authorities confirmed on Monday the first positive hantavirus case in a Spanish national evacuated from the MV Hondius cruise ship. The asymptomatic patient, reported in good condition, awaits a confirmatory test while isolated at Madrid's Gómez Ulla hospital.
The cruise ship departed for the Netherlands with 32 people aboard after completing the disembarkation of the last passengers at Granadilla port in Tenerife. Of the 14 Spaniards repatriated, only one has tested provisionally positive in the PCR performed upon arrival at the hospital.
The other 13 remain in quarantine under active surveillance until June 17, with follow-up tests scheduled. Health Ministry protocol foresees up to 42 days of monitoring from the May 6 disembarkation.
The World Health Organization and European leaders have praised the repatriation operation coordinated by Spain, involving 23 countries. WHO director Tedros Adhanom described the effort as "a job well done".
