A second hantavirus infection linked to the MV Hondius cruise outbreak has been confirmed in a Spanish national quarantined and hospitalized in Madrid. The patient is receiving treatment in a high-level isolation unit at Gomez Ulla hospital and remains stable, according to Spanish health authorities [1, 2, 3].
The MV Hondius cruise departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1, 2026, and traveled to remote South Atlantic islands, Cape Verde, and Tenerife before passengers were evacuated amid the outbreak [1, 2, 3]. So far, the outbreak has caused at least 13 confirmed hantavirus cases across multiple countries, including this latest case in Spain [4]. There have been three deaths related to the outbreak, with no new fatalities reported since May 2 [1, 4, 2].
The second Spanish case was identified during routine screening of 14 Spanish nationals who had been evacuated from the ship and placed under quarantine. The Spanish Ministry of Health stated, "The patient will remain admitted under specialized medical supervision and with the biosafety measures provided for this type of case. The detection of the case has occurred within the already activated isolation and control system, so it does not alter the risk situation for the general population" [3].
Hantavirus is a zoonotic virus transmitted primarily by rodents. The Andes virus strain involved in this outbreak can spread between humans through prolonged close contact [1, 3]. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, "Spain reported a new case among the passengers who are in quarantine, which brings the total number of cases to 13. Among them three died, but there have been no new deaths since May 2. The situation remains stable. Passengers who got sick are receiving needed care, while others remain in quarantine" [4].
The outbreak affects an estimated 23 countries represented among approximately 150 passengers and crew aboard the MV Hondius [3]. Officials emphasize the situation poses no increased risk to the general population, and current epidemiological control measures remain in place [1, 2, 3].
Health authorities continue to monitor the quarantined passengers closely for symptoms while providing medical care in isolation units. The next updates are expected as testing and monitoring proceed among those evacuated from the ship.
