Cancer patient dies of hospital-acquired mpox as Basque cases surge

A 61-year-old man undergoing treatment for a non-terminal throat and neck tumor died at Donostia Hospital after catching mpox from a fellow patient in the same room, according to the Basque Health Service. Medical sources said the infection triggered severe complications that, combined with his compromised immunity, led to his death. Following the nosocomial case, officials launched immediate containment protocols, providing post-exposure vaccinations to at least 25 close contacts, staff and relatives.

The Basque Ministry of Health held a press conference to outline epidemiological tracking and reassure the public about hospital safety. The fatality marks Spain’s third mpox death this year, joining two earlier cases in people living with HIV, as the Basque Country reports a surge to 35 cases this year. The incident has sparked renewed scrutiny of infection-control procedures in regional hospitals.