Panic eases as Spanish health institute denies Monkeypox cases in Ceuta

Panic spread over the past three days following Spanish media reports of a potential monkeypox case in Sebta involving a European tourist vacationing in Morocco. However, the Carlos III Health Institute in Madrid has quickly refuted these claims.

Medical sources cited by Ceuta TV confirmed that the Carlos III Health Institute conducted tests on the patient, who was initially admitted with monkeypox symptoms. The results came back negative, and the patient was released on Tuesday after the confirmation.

Ceuta TV reported that the patient, whose case had been initially dismissed, exhibited symptoms consistent with monkeypox. However, according to health sources, the Carlos III Health Institute verified that the test results were negative.

INGESA, the Spanish healthcare organization, issued a statement saying, “To date, there is no case of monkeypox.” This was confirmed as accurate when the patient’s test results returned negative. The situation appeared more uncertain before the confirmation. The patient had been moved from the quarantine area to a section for suspected serious contagious diseases on Monday evening. Samples were taken that day and sent to Madrid for testing, with results proving negative.

On August 21, preparations were underway for the patient’s arrival from northern Morocco. He was a European national who had developed symptoms while in Morocco. Due to proximity to the European Union, arrangements were made for his transfer to the nearest hospital, according to Spanish media reports.

The patient was scheduled to be placed in a specialized isolation room, often referred to as the “Ebola room,” to minimize contact with medical staff and reduce infection risks. Medical personnel were required to use personal protective equipment.

“To date, there have been no cases,” INGESA reiterated to the Spanish media, a statement that aligns with the Carlos III Health Institute’s findings. INGESA has faced criticism for its transparency, and withholding information can sometimes heighten public anxiety more than the actual facts.