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2w ago

WHO Declares MV Hondius Hantavirus Outbreak Over

The announcement ends a 42-day global monitoring operation and hands priority to multinational research on the rare Andes hantavirus.

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A sign that reads "No entry. Bio hazard zone" near the cruise ship MV Hondius, which was affected by a hantavirus outbreak, after it arrived at the Port of Rotterdam, where Dutch authorities are preparing quarantine arrangements, in Rotterdam, Netherlands, May 18, 2026. REUTERS/Yves Herman
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Overview

  • WHO announced on Thursday, July 2 that the outbreak is over after the final exposed contact completed a 42-day quarantine, tested negative, and returned home.
  • The cluster infected 13 people (12 confirmed and one probable) and caused three deaths, with all cases linked to passengers or crew of the MV Hondius.
  • Health teams identified and followed more than 650 contacts across 33 countries and territories, carrying out repatriations, centralized quarantines and long-term monitoring to prevent further spread.
  • Laboratory testing found the outbreak involved the Andes virus, a rare rodent-borne hantavirus that can sometimes spread between people when contacts are close and prolonged.
  • WHO will now lead coordinated scientific follow-up, including a 21-country study, sample sharing and field rodent testing to clarify transmission, improve diagnostics and support development of treatments and vaccines.