A SPANISH boat passenger with positive Hantavirus PCR test shows signs of the infection in high-level isolation, while others remain in quarantine.
One of the 14 Spanish residents on board the MV Hondius is now showing symptoms in isolation after testing positive for the Hantavirus.
The passenger has been placed in quarantine in the High-Level Isolation Unit (UAAN) of the Gomes Ulla Central Defense Hospital in Madrid.
Although they were asymptomatic at the time the positive PCR test was administered, they began experiencing a low-grade fever and respiratory symptoms on Monday night.
A second test has been taken, with results expected to confirm their state in the coming hours.
Madrid’s Gomez Ulla Hospital has reinforced staff with around 80 people to help maintain watch on all 14 passengers in their care.
In a statement on Cadena Ser Radio, Secretary of State for Health, Javier Padilla, said they knew the reality of a positive PCR test was a possibility, or else they wouldn’t have carried out such a massive operation.
The priority was to ‘get people off the ship and to be the best place they could be,’ Padilla said.
Spain’s Secretary of Health claimed that the Madrid hospital is ‘one of the best in Europe for these types of situations,’ and that they hope the passenger who tested positive will recover quickly.
‘We are going to take care of him in the best way possible,’ Padilla stated.
The other 13 Spanish passengers have tested negative for the virus, after their PCR tests were reviewed by the National Microbiology Center.
However, they will all remain quarantined at the Madrid hospital as well.Â
Authorities have confirmed that the period of quarantine could remain for up to 42 days.
That means they will likely remain in the hospital until June 17.
These passengers are from various parts of Spain including five from Catalunya, three from Madrid, three from Asturias, one from Castile and Leon, one from Galacia, and one from Valencia Community.
Two other Spanish residents are currently under observation after coming into contact with the Hantavirus on international flights, one in Barcelona and the other in Alicante.
The woman in Barcelona tested negative for the first PCR test and is currently showing signs of being asymptomatic and in good condition.
The other person in Alicante is being monitored in the hospital after testing positive for two PCR tests as of Monday.
Passengers from Spain and other countries including France, the Netherlands, America, and Australia disembarked the MV Hondius in Tenerife’s Port of Granadilla.
The move came after Fernando Clavijo, the leader of the Canary Islands, assured citizens that the ship would not dock.
However, footage from the Guardia Civil’s drones shows passengers exiting the ship on Monday, after claims that the sea and wind conditions were too rough.Â
The Olive Press will continue to monitor updates on these passengers.
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