An international health alert linked to the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius has been declared over by the World Health Organisation (WHO) after the final monitored contact completed quarantine, tested negative, and returned home.
WHO Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, said no new cases had been recorded since May 25, confirming the end of the hantavirus outbreak following sustained global monitoring.
The outbreak, caused by the rare Andes virus strain, involved passengers and crew and prompted a coordinated response across several countries.
In total, more than 650 contacts were traced and placed under quarantine, testing and surveillance to prevent further transmission.
WHO said it will continue working with international partners on a 21-country study to deepen understanding of hantaviruses and improve diagnostics, treatment and vaccine development.
Tedros thanked countries involved in the response, including Argentina, Cabo Verde, Chile, the Netherlands, South Africa and the United Kingdom, and praised Spain for supporting the safe disembarkation and repatriation of passengers and crew in Tenerife.
