MADRID, June 4 (Xinhua) -- The first Spanish passenger infected during a hantavirus outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius has been discharged from hospital after recovering from the virus, Spain's Health Ministry said on Thursday.
The 70-year-old man, who tested positive for hantavirus after being evacuated from the vessel, was released after remaining symptom-free for three days and returning two consecutive negative test results.
He had been admitted to Madrid's Gomez Ulla Hospital on May 11, one day after being evacuated from the cruise ship. Health authorities said he will remain under medical follow-up for six months to monitor any potential long-term effects.
A second Spanish patient, who tested positive on May 25, developed only mild symptoms, including a low-grade fever. Authorities said the patient must also meet the discharge requirements of three symptom-free days and two negative PCR tests before being allowed to leave hospital.
Meanwhile, 12 other Spanish passengers remain under quarantine at Gomez Ulla Hospital and have continued to test negative for the virus. Under current protocols, they must complete a 42-day quarantine period. Those who remain negative 28 days after May 10 will be permitted to complete the final two weeks of quarantine at home.
The MV Hondius was affected by a hantavirus outbreak in April that resulted in three deaths and several confirmed infections.
Passengers were evacuated from the vessel in a controlled operation on the Spanish island of Tenerife on May 10 before being repatriated to their home countries.
