The situation of the Spanish passenger isolated after a first positive PCR for hantavirus has changed in the last few hours after he began to present symptoms, according to the update transmitted about his evolution within the health operation activated in Spain for the outbreak linked to the MV Hondius.
Until now, the case corresponded to a passenger evacuated from the cruise ship who had tested positive in an initial diagnostic test, although the result was still pending definitive confirmation. At the time that first result was communicated, the patient did not present symptoms.
The appearance of symptoms modifies the clinical scenario of the most sensitive case within the monitoring activated by the Spanish health authorities after the ship's arrival in Tenerife and the subsequent international evacuation of passengers.
Isolated in Gómez Ulla
The patient remains admitted to the Gómez Ulla Central Defense Hospital, a reference center for this type of situation and where the Spanish citizens evacuated from the MV Hondius were transferred.
The Ministry of Health had explained that anyone with a positive PCR should remain isolated under clinical surveillance while diagnostic checks were completed and their evolution was followed.
The protocol activated in Spain contemplates close monitoring of passengers considered exposed, testing, and immediate isolation in case of results compatible with infection or appearance of symptoms.
To date, no additional details have been made public about the type of symptoms presented or about a possible change in the definitive classification of the case.
Tracking the rest of the evacuees
The Spanish health operation also continues with surveillance over the rest of the evacuated passengers and other people under epidemiological surveillance related to the outbreak.
Authorities maintain periodic checks on Spanish citizens repatriated from Tenerife and on contacts considered at risk. The Spanish case occurs within a broader international operation affecting several countries.
The United States previously confirmed a mild positive case in one of its evacuees and is also monitoring other citizens related to the epidemiological investigation. France also reported a positive case among its repatriated passengers after symptoms were detected during the evacuation process.
An outbreak under international surveillance
The hantavirus outbreak linked to MV Hondius keeps international health protocols active due to the fact that the variant being investigated is the Andes strain of hantavirus, the only one with documented human-to-human transmission.
The World Health Organization and national health authorities continue to coordinate the monitoring of passengers and potential contacts.
Spain maintains that the risk to the general population remains low, although controls continue as a precaution due to the incubation period associated with the disease.
The evolution of the isolated Spanish patient at the Gómez Ulla has now become one of the main focuses of the health monitoring of the outbreak.