WHO declares end of hantavirus outbreak aboard cruise ship MV Hondius

The World Health Organization announced that the hantavirus outbreak among passengers and crew of the tourist cruise ship MV Hondius is officially over. The last identified close contact completed quarantine on May 25, tested negative and returned home, and no new cases have been reported since that date.

During the three‑month outbreak, 13 people were infected, three of whom died. Over 650 contacts in 33 countries were monitored. Eight patients have been discharged, while two remain hospitalized in South Africa and France. The WHO praised the response of Argentina, Cape Verde, Kenya, the Netherlands, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Spain and other nations that assisted with evacuation and repatriation. MV Hondius is expected to resume service in June after final health inspections.