13 Spanish cruise passengers cleared of hantavirus, quarantine eased in Madrid hospital

Thirteen Spaniards who were exposed to hantavirus on the MV Hondius cruise and subsequently isolated at Hospital Militar Gómez Ulla in Madrid have tested negative in a second PCR test performed a week after the initial screening. Under the public‑health protocol, they are now allowed to leave their rooms, use common areas on their floor and receive family visits while wearing protective equipment.

The sole positive case, a 70‑year‑old man, remains in the high‑level Isolation and Treatment Unit but is reported by Health Minister Mónica García as “practically asymptomatic” and showing favorable clinical evolution. If subsequent weekly PCR tests continue negative and no symptoms appear, the patients can complete a 28‑day hospital quarantine and then shift to home quarantine, subject to evaluation by the Commission for Public Health.

Spain’s Social Security has classified quarantine for hantavirus contacts as a temporary disability, mirroring measures taken during the COVID‑19 pandemic, ensuring affected workers continue to receive pay. The Ministry of Health emphasized that the negative results confirm the effectiveness of containment protocols and that no cross‑infection has occurred among the quarantined group.