AI Generated Image
Hantavirus outbreak linked to cruise ship over after last contact completes quarantine: WHO
ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos • • health
Key Points:
- The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship over after the last exposed individual completed the 42-day quarantine and tested negative.
- A total of 13 hantavirus cases (12 confirmed, 1 probable) and three deaths (at least two confirmed) were reported, all involving passengers or crew from the ship, with no new cases since May 25.
- Over 650 contacts across 33 countries and territories were identified and monitored by health authorities during the outbreak.
- WHO is coordinating a multinational study involving 21 countries to better understand hantavirus development, aiming to improve diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines.
- The initial infection likely occurred on land before the first case boarded the cruise ship, according to WHO’s working hypothesis.
