One of the 14 Spanish passengers evacuated from the quarantined MV Hondius cruise ship has tested positive in an initial PCR test for hantavirus.

The result came after they arrived and began isolating at a military hospital in Madrid – and despite showing no symptoms.

The Health Ministry said the result remains provisional and must now be confirmed through a second PCR test.

The passenger is currently being isolated at Hospital Gomez Ulla, where all 14 Spanish nationals from the cruise ship are undergoing quarantine following their evacuation from Tenerife.

According to authorities, the individual is in ‘good general health’ and remains asymptomatic.

If the second PCR test confirms the infection, the passenger will be transferred to the hospital’s high-level isolation and treatment unit, where they will remain under strict monitoring until testing negative.

The remaining 13 Spanish passengers all tested negative in their first PCR screenings and continue isolating individually inside a dedicated hospital floor reserved exclusively for the group.

Health Minister Monica Garcia confirmed the positive result via social media on Monday.

She stressed that the patient ‘remains isolated, without symptoms and in good overall condition’, while being kept under constant clinical observation in line with epidemiological safety protocols.

The Spanish passengers include residents from several regions including Catalonia, Madrid, Asturias, Galicia, Castilla y Leon and the Valencian Community.

Authorities have significantly reinforced staffing at the Gomez Ulla hospital to deal with the operation, with an additional 90 personnel drafted in to support the quarantine and monitoring process.

Meanwhile, Secretary of State for Health Javier Padilla confirmed that the quarantine period will be counted from May 6 and would last for up to 42 days.