Hantavirus Update: May 12, 2026 — Spanish Ship Passenger Tests Positive
A Spanish ship passenger isolated at Gómez Ulla Hospital in Madrid has tested preliminary PCR positive for hantavirus, bringing the WHO total to 9 confirmed + 2 probable = 11 cases. All other 13 Spanish passengers provisionally negative.
Spain — New Confirmed Case
Spain Health Minister Mónica García confirmed via X post on Monday 12 May that one of the 14 Spanish ship passengers isolated at Gómez Ulla Central Defence Hospital, Madrid, tested preliminary PCR positive for hantavirus upon arrival. The individual was initially asymptomatic and in good general health but began developing symptoms compatible with the disease by early Tuesday. The other 13 Spanish passengers tested provisionally negative. Final confirmatory results were expected within hours per García. Source: Spain Health Minister Mónica García (Tier 1, X post), WHO case count update.
Global Case Count
WHO updated total to 9 confirmed + 2 probable = 11 total cases as of 12 May 2026. Deaths remain at 3 (2 confirmed, 1 probable). All repatriated passengers across 14+ countries remain under monitoring.
United States
16 Americans at Nebraska Medicine UNMC in Omaha: 1 in National Biocontainment Unit (NBU, confirmed case), 15 in National Quarantine Unit (NQU). 2 Americans at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta: 1 symptomatic in biocontainment, 1 asymptomatic under evaluation. All repatriated Americans subject to 42-day monitoring protocol.
Canada
4 Canadians landed Victoria International Airport, BC on May 10. All asymptomatic. In private lodgings under BC Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry's oversight. 21-day isolation extendable to 42 days. Monitored daily by local public health.