A fourth PCR test for hantavirus conducted on a woman being monitored in Alicante has returned a negative result. Despite this, she will remain admitted to the same hospital in Alicante for further observation. Under the protocols established by the Ministry of Health, she will now be permitted to receive visitors, provided they wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
The hospital has implemented a specific protocol detailing exhaustive and concrete security measures for these visits. From today, Monday May 18th, the 32-year-old woman will be allowed visits from first-degree relatives during restricted hours. A further sample is scheduled to be taken on Friday May 22nd for a new PCR test, which will be sent to the National Centre for Microbiology.
The case was initiated last Friday after an alert was received through the European Alert System. In coordination with the Ministry of Health, the General Directorate of Public Health of the Department of Health contacted the woman. She was evacuated from her home on the afternoon of Friday May 8th and taken to a hospital in the Alicante province by an ambulance equipped with the required security elements for such cases.
Upon arrival at the hospital, the patient was placed in a negative pressure room to ensure isolation. She was transported within a negative pressure capsule via a secure circuit, separate from other patients and staff, to maintain safety at all times. The Department of Health has activated all necessary resources from the outset to guarantee the safety and epidemiological surveillance of both the public and healthcare professionals.
