WHO declares hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship MV Hondius over

The World Health Organization announced that the hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius has ended. The ship, sailing under the Dutch flag, left Argentina for the Green Cape in early April before the virus was identified. Thirteen people were infected and three died. More than 650 contacts were traced and monitored in 33 countries and territories.

The last person who had been a close contact completed quarantine and tested negative, prompting WHO to declare the episode over. Dutch public‑health authorities cleared the vessel after a final inspection on 29 May, and Oceanwide Expeditions confirmed that voyages from 13 June will resume as normal.

WHO will continue research with 21 partner countries to better understand hantavirus transmission and develop diagnostics, treatments and vaccines. The outbreak involved passengers and crew from several nations, including the Netherlands, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, South Africa, France, Spain and the United Kingdom.