90-Second Read: Second Hantavirus Case in Madrid Quarantine from MV Hondius Outbreak | 2026 Update - News and Statistics

The Health Ministry confirms a second Hantavirus case in Madrid among Spanish nationals evacuated from the MV Hondius cruise ship, detected via routine PCR testing with no elevated public risk. The Ministry of Health has confirmed a second positive case of Hantavirus among the Spanish nationals currently quarantined in Madrid. According to the ministry, the detection follows the outbreak identified on the cruise ship MV Hondius.

The latest patient is one of the individuals previously identified as a close contact of the initial outbreak. That person was already in isolation and under medical monitoring, in compliance with the protocols established by the Early Warning and Rapid Response System. Health authorities stated that the case was discovered during routine PCR testing and does not represent an elevated risk to the public.

In total, two positive cases have now been recorded among the Spanish passengers who were evacuated from the vessel. The remaining 12 Spaniards remain in quarantine under medical observation. The ministry will continue the planned isolation measures until the 42-day period specified in international protocols has been completed.