WHO declares Hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship Hondius ended

The World Health Organization announced that the hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship Hondius has been declared over. No new cases have been reported since 25 May, and the last identified contact tested negative.

The WHO recorded 13 confirmed infections and three deaths, one of which was a German woman. More than 650 contacts were traced across roughly 30‑33 countries. The outbreak involved the Andes‑type hantavirus, which can, in rare instances, spread from person to person. The ship, operated by the Dutch company Oceanwide Expeditions, began its voyage in Argentina, traveled toward the Cape Verde islands and docked in Tenerife, Spain, before passengers returned home.

WHO Director‑General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the organization will continue to coordinate international research on diagnostics, treatments and vaccines for hantavirus. The agency stresses ongoing study despite the immediate threat being contained.