Spain's first suspected hantavirus patient admitted to Alicante hospital

A 32‑year‑old woman, the first suspected hantavirus patient in Spain, was admitted at 18:05 to an isolation room with negative pressure at the San Juan de Alicante Hospital.

Admission Procedure

• The patient was transported from her home in an ambulance of the Valencian Health Service, preceded by a medical support vehicle and escorted by a police car.
• The Ministry of Health’s newly approved protocol was followed, using an ambulance equipped with the required safety mechanisms.
• Although numerous journalists and TV cameras gathered at the main entrance, the three vehicles entered through a separate, less‑used access point designated for outpatient consultations.
• She was taken to the third floor, where she was placed in a negative‑pressure isolation room for monitoring.

“She traveled on the same flight from which a person who later died was evacuated after leaving the MV Hondius cruise ship.”

Symptoms and Testing

• The woman exhibits mild respiratory symptoms, primarily a cough.
• She arrived via a secure, isolated circuit, keeping her separate from other patients and staff.
• In accordance with the protocol, a PCR test will be performed; the sample will be sent to the National Center of Microbiology, with results expected within 24–48 hours.

Authorities’ Response

• The General Directorate of Public Health contacted the patient after receiving an alert through the European Alert System, coordinating with the Ministry of Health.
• The Valencian Health Department announced that it will continue to provide updates on the patient’s condition and the progress of the follow‑up.