Photo: Shutterstock The World Health Organization (WHO) says it is moving closer to declaring the end of the recent hantavirus outbreak linked to the expedition cruise vessel MV Hondius, with no increase in the number of confirmed cases reported in the latest update.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the number of cases remains steady at 13, including three deaths, while international contact tracing efforts continue.
According to the update, the captain of the MV Hondius and most crew members have completed their quarantine periods. Health authorities have tracked more than 600 contacts across 33 countries and territories, with more than 80% of those contacts having already completed the required 42-day follow-up period.
Tedros said the outbreak response is nearing its conclusion, stating: “We’re closing in on ending this outbreak.”
He also thanked Captain Jan Dobrogowski and the vessel's crew for their role in protecting passengers during the incident and acknowledged the contributions of Spain, the Netherlands, Cabo Verde, South Africa and the United Kingdom in supporting the international response.
The outbreak attracted global attention due to the extensive multinational contact-tracing operation required after passengers and crew dispersed across dozens of countries following the voyage.