Spanish cruise ship passenger tests positive for Andes hantavirus in Madrid hospital

A Spanish national evacuated from the MV Hondius cruise ship has tested positive for Andes hantavirus, becoming the second confirmed Spanish case from the vessel. The patient was already under quarantine at Madrid's Gómez Ulla Military Hospital when the positive result was confirmed on May 25, 2026. Spanish health authorities stated that detection of the case among those already isolated does not change the risk level for the broader population. The outbreak, first reported May 2, has now infected 12 people across multiple nations, with 3 fatalities recorded (a Dutch couple and a German national). The luxury cruise ship carried approximately 150 passengers and crew from 23 countries. Andes hantavirus primarily spreads through rodent contact but can rarely transmit between people; symptoms typically appear within 4–6 weeks of exposure.