The World Health Organization (WHO) declares that a hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius is over. Multiple outlets report the decision follows completion of quarantine by the last identified exposed contact and a negative test result. BBC News adds that no further cases are reported since 25 May, aligning with the timeline described by other organizations.
The outbreak, which began in April and triggered international concern, involved 12 confirmed cases and one probable case associated with the MV Hondius. Three deaths are reported across the coverage.
While WHO ends the outbreak status, sources note that scientific work continues. Experts and researchers are described as using the event to learn lessons about how such outbreaks are detected, managed, and prevented on ships, and to understand the circumstances that led to the global health alert. Overall reporting is consistent that the key public-health indicator for the “over” declaration is the absence of newly detected cases after the last quarantine and testing were completed.
