* The protocol has been approved at an extraordinary meeting of the Public Health Commission.
* It establishes quarantine measures and active surveillance for people disembarked and under monitoring in Spain.
* The planned actions are based on the precautionary principle and will be reviewed continuously.
Madrid, May 8, 2026 - The Public Health Commission, which includes all the autonomous communities and the Ministry of Health, has approved the protocol for handling people disembarked from the ship MV HONDIUS, affected by an outbreak of Andes hantavirus (ANDV), with the aim of strengthening the protection of public health and ensuring a coordinated response throughout the national territory.
The protocol, previously agreed upon by the Technical Committee of the Early Warning and Rapid Response System (SIAPR), defines the criteria for action to monitor people who have been on the ship between April 1 and May 10, 2026, as well as for possible close contacts of confirmed cases.
The document establishes the definitions of contact, probable case and confirmed case of Andes virus disease, and is based on the criteria of the World Health Organization.
Quarantine measures and active monitoring
All people considered contacts — those who remained on the ship between April 1 and May 10 or who were in contact with a confirmed case — must undergo mandatory quarantine at the Gómez Ulla Central Defense Hospital in Madrid.
Passengers will remain in single rooms and will not be allowed visitors.
During this period, they will undergo a PCR test upon arrival and another seven days later.
In addition, active monitoring will be carried out, including twice-daily temperature checks to detect any compatible symptoms early.
Management of probable and confirmed cases
The protocol defines a probable case as any contact who develops symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches, or vomiting.
In this situation, the patient will be immediately transferred to a negative pressure isolation room.
If a laboratory test is positive by the National Microbiology Center, the patient will become a confirmed case and will be admitted to a High Level Isolation and Treatment Unit (UATAN) until clinical recovery.
The document also incorporates detailed biosafety measures for healthcare, laboratory and cleaning personnel, including the use of personal protective equipment, protocols for handling and transporting biological samples and cleaning and disinfection procedures adapted to the level of biological risk associated with the Andes virus.
The Ministry of Health emphasizes that all actions outlined in the protocol are guided by the precautionary principle and may be continuously updated based on the evolution of the outbreak and the scientific knowledge available nationally and internationally.
Furthermore, the emotional well-being of those in quarantine will be ensured by maintaining electronic communication with their families and loved ones.
Source:
Link: https://www.sanidad.gob.es/gabinete/notasPrensa.do?id=6903
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