MADRID — The Gómez Ulla Hospital in Madrid has begun allowing the thirteen people isolated after contact with hantavirus to receive what officials call 'staggered and safe' visits this week, following a second round of negative test results. The sole confirmed positive case, a 70-year-old man, continues to improve and is reportedly eager to move from high-level isolation to a standard quarantine.
José García, a representative of the Independent Trade Union and Civil Servants' Centre (CSIF) at the hospital, described the mood among the thirteen as 'very excited, really looking forward to it and very happy to have received the news of a second negative result.' These individuals, all passengers from the MV Hondius cruise ship, are now in their ninth day of confinement at the facility.
Permission to Leave Rooms and Receive Visitors
Starting Tuesday, the thirteen contacts have been allowed to leave their individual rooms and move within shared areas of their ward, provided they wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and masks, as stipulated by the Public Health Commission's protocol. They may also receive visitors under controlled conditions. García welcomed the negative results, noting they demonstrate that 'things are being done properly' and that no cross-contamination with the infected patient has occurred.
The 70-year-old man, who has been in the High-Level Isolation and Treatment Unit (Uatan) since last Monday, 'is fine for the moment, he is progressing well,' García told reporters. While all options are being considered for his care, 'it will be difficult for him to receive visits,' even though 'he is longing for the illness to pass so that he can return to his normal quarantine.'
The situation at Gómez Ulla is part of a broader European response to the hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius. Earlier, the UK military air-dropped medics to Tristan da Cunha over a related scare, and Tenerife residents remained calm as the cruise ship docked. The incident has also prompted the EU to strengthen cross-border health protocols.
Protocols Under Scrutiny
Regarding the possibility that the thirteen contacts could complete their quarantine at home after day 28, García urged a step-by-step approach. He stressed that this would only happen if Public Health determines 'there is no problem' with them going home, though compliance with protocols will be closely monitored. The union also welcomed the hospital's decision to renew the contracts of 200 staff members whose contracts were about to expire, following a meeting between CSIF and the Ministry of Public Administration, and to hire an additional 70 personnel.
The hantavirus strain involved is considered a known pathogen with low risk if contained, as experts have noted. Nevertheless, the outbreak has tested Europe's pandemic preparedness and highlighted the need for robust health security measures across the continent.
