The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared the hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship over. The announcement came after the final identified contact completed the quarantine period, tested negative for the virus, and returned home. According to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, no new cases have been reported since May 25, allowing the organization to officially close the outbreak.
The outbreak resulted in 12 confirmed cases and one probable case, including three deaths. The response involved extensive international collaboration among health authorities across 33 countries and territories, with contact tracing, quarantine, testing, and surveillance measures implemented to contain the spread. WHO stated that, although the outbreak has ended, it remains committed to investigating the source and transmission of the virus to strengthen…
