Spain discharges first hantavirus patient from MV Hondius outbreak

A 70‑year‑old man who tested positive for hantavirus after returning from the cruise ship MV Hondius was discharged from Hospital Central de la Defensa Gómez Ulla on June 4. He met the protocol’s criteria of at least three symptom‑free days and two consecutive negative PCR tests on urine and oropharyngeal samples, spaced 48 hours apart. The patient will undergo clinical follow‑up for six months, with monthly blood sampling to monitor for possible late complications. He is not required to observe quarantine, but the protocol mandates a 42‑day quarantine for close contacts, who must also obtain a negative PCR before ending isolation.

A second confirmed case, also linked to the MV Hondius, developed a low‑grade fever after an initially asymptomatic admission and remains in isolation under the same discharge criteria. The updated public health protocol stresses avoiding unprotected sexual activity for four months and limiting activities with bleeding risk until a negative blood PCR is achieved. All other Spanish passengers from the vessel continue under individual isolation and monitoring.

The Ministry of Health released the detailed discharge and follow‑up guidelines, emphasizing the need for strict surveillance to detect any long‑term sequelae of hantavirus infection.