WHO declares end to cruise-related hantavirus outbreak

The WHO (World Health Organization) announced this Thursday (2) that the hantavirus outbreak associated with the MV Hondius cruise ship has ended.

In total, 13 cases were recorded, including three deaths - all of passengers or members of the ship's crew.

No new cases have been reported since May 25 and, as of Thursday, the last contact of a person possibly exposed to hantavirus on the ship had "completed their quarantine period, tested negative and returned home", WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom said at a press conference.

In total, more than 650 possible contacts were identified and monitored by health authorities in 33 countries and territories, according to the director.

Although this outbreak is considered over, hantavirus remains a public health threat in South America and other regions where it is endemic, WHO experts said.

"Although the outbreak is over, WHO will continue to work with governments and partners to deepen our understanding of this outbreak and hantavirus generally," Tedros said.

"We are also coordinating a study involving 21 countries to understand how the disease develops; this will support the development of diagnostics, treatments and vaccines for future outbreaks," he added.

Cruise route and chronology of the hantavirus health crisis

Source: CNN