WHO declares Hantavirus outbreak over after 13 cases, three deaths

Health

GENEVA, Switzerland (NPA) — The World Health Organisation (WHO) has officially declared the hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius over, following the successful completion of quarantine by the final identified contact and the absence of new infections since May 25.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the UN health agency said the last person exposed to the virus had completed the required quarantine period, tested negative, and safely returned home.

“Today, the final contact of a person exposed to hantavirus on the cruise ship MV Hondius completed their quarantine period, tested negative and returned home,” WHO said.

“No further cases have been reported since the 25th of May. We are therefore very pleased to say that WHO considers the outbreak over.”

According to the organisation, the outbreak resulted in a total of 13 confirmed cases, including three deaths.

WHO disclosed that health authorities across 33 countries and territories identified and monitored more than 650 contacts during the international response to contain the spread of the disease.

Although the outbreak has been declared over, the agency said efforts to better understand hantavirus and strengthen global preparedness would continue.

WHO announced that it is coordinating an international scientific study involving 21 countries to improve knowledge of how the disease develops and to support the development of improved diagnostics, treatments and vaccines for future outbreaks.

The organisation also expressed appreciation to countries that collaborated in the international response in line with the International Health Regulations.

It specifically thanked Argentina, Cabo Verde, Chile, the Netherlands, South Africa, the United Kingdom and Spain for their support.

WHO singled out Spain for its role in facilitating the safe disembarkation and repatriation of passengers and crew in Tenerife during the emergency.

The agency said the international cooperation demonstrated throughout the response underscores the importance of coordinated global action in managing cross-border public health emergencies.