Last Hantavirus Patient Discharged from Gómez Ulla Hospital
The long-awaited moment has finally arrived: the last patient hospitalized for hantavirus infection at the Gómez Ulla Central Defense Hospital has been discharged and is now safely at home. This marks a significant milestone in the response to the recent hantavirus outbreak, with no patients currently hospitalized for this episode, as confirmed by the Ministry of Health.
Timeline of the Outbreak and Treatment
Nearly ten days prior, a group of 12 Spaniards, who had been affected by the hantavirus outbreak, left the Gómez Ulla Hospital. The final positive case had been admitted to the High-Level Isolation and Treatment Unit (UATAN) after experiencing low-grade fever and confirming the virus presence through a positive PCR test. Those who remain under home quarantine are expected to complete their isolation this week and may be discharged by June 22, 2026, following a final negative PCR test.
The first Spaniard diagnosed with the virus was discharged on June 4, 2026, after successfully overcoming the illness, thanks to prompt medical treatment. This 70-year-old gentleman had been in the UATAN since May 11 when his initial PCR test returned positive. He experienced symptoms such as low-grade fever and respiratory issues, which were managed effectively with early intervention.
Current Situation of Quarantined Individuals
As of now, 12 individuals, who were possible contacts from the hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondious cruise ship, remain in a state of home quarantine. After completing the first phase of their quarantine, these Spaniards were discharged from the Gómez Ulla Hospital on June 7 and are currently at home under the watchful eye of health authorities. The health protocols classify them as contacts of a confirmed case since they were isolated as a precaution on May 10, 2026, following the positive case of a French passenger onboard.
Health authorities had anticipated this situation and started monitoring the group since the transmissibility period begins two days before any symptoms emerge or the initial positive PCR test is taken—particularly for asymptomatic cases. If these individuals remain free of symptoms throughout their home monitoring period, they will undergo testing at the conclusion of the quarantine. Results will be processed by the National Center of Microbiology.
Safety Measures and Public Health Concerns
While the patients continue to recover at home, it is vital to maintain strict adherence to safety and surveillance measures. These guidelines are designed to protect not only the recovering patients but also health professionals and the general public. The precautionary principle emphasizes the continued need for diligence as international monitoring of this outbreak persists.
As the community rejoices in the recovery of the last patient, lessons learned from this event underscore the importance of rapid response, effective treatment, and ongoing public health efforts to mitigate the risk of future outbreaks.