90-Second Read: Hantavirus Case Confirmed Among Quarantined Spaniards

The detection of this new case does not alter the risk level for the general population or alter the epidemiological response measures currently in place, the ministry added. According to the WHO, Hantaviruses are zoonotic viruses that naturally infect rodents and are occasionally transmitted to humans. While there is no specific treatment that cures Hantavirus diseases, early supportive medical care is key to improve survival and focuses on close clinical monitoring and management of respiratory, cardiac and kidney complications.

The 14 Spanish nationals from the vessel were evacuated from the island of Tenerife in a tightly controlled operation on May 10 and have since remained in preventive quarantine at Madrid's Gomez Ulla Central Defence Hospital. The latest positive case was detected during routine PCR testing conducted under the isolation and control system already in place, according to the ministry. The patient, currently asymptomatic, has been transferred to the hospital's High-Level Isolation Unit (UATAN), where he remains under specialized medical supervision and strict biosafety protocols, the ministry said.

Infection in people can result in severe illness and often death, although the diseases vary by type of virus and geographical location. Prevention depends largely on reducing contacts between people and infected rodents.