The Spanish Ministry of Health has announced that a patient evacuated from the MV Hondius vessel, who had previously tested positive for hantavirus, has begun exhibiting clinical symptoms.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the ministry reported that the patient is currently experiencing a low-grade fever and respiratory complaints. Despite the onset of these symptoms, medical officials stated that the individual's condition remains stable, and no significant deterioration has been observed at this stage.
The MV Hondius arrived in Tenerife on May 10, and the evacuation of passengers was successfully completed by May 11. Following the procedure, the ship's crew, consisting of approximately 30 individuals, was dispatched to the Netherlands. A total of 14 Spanish passengers from the vessel were identified and subsequently placed under quarantine at a military hospital in Madrid for close medical observation.
Hantaviruses are a family of viruses spread mainly by rodents and can cause varied disease syndromes in people worldwide. Infection with any hantavirus can produce serious illness; in severe cases, it may lead to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) or Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS). These conditions are characterized by potential lung damage, cardiovascular complications, and internal bleeding. While human-to-human transmission is considered extremely rare, health authorities maintain strict isolation protocols to mitigate any public health risks.
