W.H.O Declares Cruise Ship Hantavirus Outbreak Over

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Geneva: The World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday officially declared an end to the deadly hantavirus outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius, lifting a global health alert that had sparked international alarm.

The announcement came after the final exposed contact completed their quarantine period, tested negative, and safely returned home.

The outbreak on the polar exploration ship resulted in 12 confirmed cases, one probable case, and three fatalities. In response to the crisis, global health authorities launched a massive contact-tracing operation, monitoring more than 650 individuals across 33 countries and territories.

The virus was identified as the rare Andes species, which is uniquely dangerous because it is the only hantavirus strain known to jump from human to human. 

Though the ship was thoroughly disinfected and cleared in late May, the exact origin of the infection remains a mystery after recent environmental investigations in Argentina failed to locate any virus-carrying rodents.

While the immediate public health risk has subsided, WHO officials emphasized that hantaviruses remain a persistent threat in endemic areas. 

To prepare for future threats, the organisation is now coordinating a specialised study involving 21 countries to advance the development of crucial diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines.