Spain declares hantavirus outbreak under control and ends quarantine operations
Spain’s Ministry of Health announced the official closure of the hantavirus outbreak response after all individuals under epidemiological monitoring completed their quarantine periods with negative test results. The outbreak was linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius, which departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on 1 April, crossed the South Atlantic and docked in Tenerife, Spain. During the voyage three passengers died and four fell ill. Upon arrival, 14 Spanish nationals (13 passengers and one crew member) were hospitalized on 10 May; two tested positive and were discharged on 16 June. All remaining contacts were released after PCR tests returned negative.
The operation involved coordination between Spanish health authorities, the World Health Organization and international partners to trace contacts, conduct testing and provide medical care. With no new cases detected, the ministry noted that surveillance systems remain active to respond swiftly to any future threats.
The incident highlights the importance of rapid public‑health response and multinational cooperation in managing infectious‑disease risks on cruise ships.