The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Thursday the end of the Hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship 'Hondius,' confirming that no new cases have been recorded since May 25. This declaration follows the completion of all health monitoring procedures for those who were in contact with the virus.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that the last individual under observation has completed quarantine, and tested negative for the virus. This clearance allowed the organization to officially declare the outbreak over.
During the outbreak, there were 13 confirmed cases and 3 fatalities. Health teams conducted extensive surveillance, tracking over 650 contacts in about 30 countries as part of an intensive case monitoring and tracing operation.
The WHO clarified that the infections were linked to the rare Andes strain of the Hantavirus, known as the only strain capable of limited human-to-human transmission, unlike most Hantavirus strains which usually spread from rodents to humans through inhalation of contaminated particles from rodent waste.
The infections were reported among passengers of the Dutch cruise company Oceanwide Expeditions' ship 'Hondius,' which set sail from Argentina in April before docking in Tenerife, Spain. Passengers returned to their home countries under strict health protocols.
The WHO reiterated that the risk of widespread transmission to the general population remains low, and there are no indicators suggesting the outbreak could lead to a broader epidemic or global pandemic.