Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team May 12, 2026 35 minutes ago
Medical News: A Spanish passenger evacuated from the outbreak-stricken MV Hondius cruise ship has tested positive for hantavirus after returning to Spain, raising fresh concerns among international health authorities monitoring the deadly situation aboard the vessel. Spanish Health Minister Mónica García confirmed that the passenger is currently isolated at Madrid’s Gomez Ulla military hospital and remains asymptomatic despite the preliminary positive PCR result.
The infected individual was among 14 Spanish nationals evacuated from the cruise ship following a growing outbreak that has already caused at least three deaths. Health officials stated that the other 13 Spanish passengers tested negative and continue to remain under medical observation as a precautionary measure.
Spanish passenger evacuated from MV Hondius tests positive for hantavirus while remaining asymptomatic in isolation
Outbreak Aboard the MV Hondius
The MV Hondius has become the center of international attention after multiple passengers and crew members were linked to infections involving the Andes strain of hantavirus. This particular strain is considered especially concerning because it is the only known hantavirus capable of rare person-to-person transmission.
Authorities carried out a large-scale evacuation involving 125 individuals from 23 countries after several confirmed infections emerged onboard. Passengers were transported to quarantine facilities in Spain’s Canary Islands before returning to their respective home countries under strict health monitoring procedures.
Among the confirmed cases is a French woman who remains in intensive care but is reportedly in stable condition. An American passenger was also reported infected during the outbreak.
Health Officials Stress Risk Remains Low
Despite growing public concern, Spanish and international health authorities have repeatedly emphasized that hantavirus does not spread as easily as respiratory viruses such as COVID-19. Experts from the World Health Organization continue to describe the overall risk of widespread transmission as low, though close monitoring remains essential due to the unusual characteristics of the Andes strain.
The cruise ship itself is now reportedly heading toward the Netherlands, where the remaining crew will disembark before specialized decontamination and disinfection procedures begin.
Political controversy has also emerged surrounding the handling of the crisis, with regional officials in the Canary Islands questioning why the vessel was allowed near Tenerife instead of being redirected immediately to the Netherlands, where the ship is registered.
This
Medical News report highlights the growing concern surrounding zoonotic diseases capable of emerging in crowded international travel environments. Experts warn that while outbreaks involving hantavirus remain rare, rapid detection, strict isolation protocols, and international coordination are critical to preventing further spread.
Continuous surveillance of all passengers and crew linked to the MV Hondius outbreak will likely continue for several weeks as health authorities work to fully assess the extent of exposure and transmission risks.
For the latest hantavirus news, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
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