A woman suspected of contracting hantavirus has been hospitalized in Spain. The 32-year-old individual had been on a flight with a passenger from MV Hondius who later passed away. She is currently receiving treatment at Sant Joan General Hospital in Alicante, located in Spain’s Costa Blanca region.
Javier Padilla, the Spanish government’s Secretary of State for Health, confirmed that the woman displayed symptoms consistent with hantavirus, particularly coughing, while at her residence in Alicante. Following this, she was swiftly transferred to the hospital as a precautionary measure.
Health authorities in the region have reported that the woman is exhibiting mild respiratory symptoms and will be moved to a negative-pressure room in a hospital in Alicante for further evaluation. Samples will be collected and sent to the National Center for Microbiology, with results expected in the next 24 to 48 hours.
The General Directorate of Public Health, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, promptly contacted the woman after receiving an alert through the European Alert System. Updates on her condition will be provided by the Regional Ministry of Health to address the public health concerns surrounding this international issue.
Previously, a Dutch man on MV Hondius developed respiratory distress and passed away onboard. His wife, who also showed symptoms, traveled to South Africa where she subsequently died. Posthumous tests confirmed hantavirus infection in the Dutch woman, specifically the Andes virus, which is known to be transmissible between humans. Efforts are now underway to trace individuals who may have had contact with the cruise ship passengers for further monitoring and isolation measures.