WHO declares cruise ship-linked hantavirus outbreak over

The announcement was made after the last identified contact of an infected person completed the required quarantine period, tested negative for the virus, and safely returned home.

Speaking during a media briefing, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said no new cases have been reported since May 25, 2026, marking the end of the outbreak.

According to WHO, the outbreak resulted in 13 confirmed cases, including three deaths.

"Health authorities traced and monitored more than 650 contacts across 33 countries and territories in an effort to prevent further transmission of the virus," said Dr Ghebreyesus.

Despite declaring the outbreak over, WHO said it will continue working closely with governments and global health experts to strengthen research on hantavirus and improve preparedness and response measures to prevent similar outbreaks in the future.

The organization also emphasized the importance of continued surveillance and international cooperation in detecting and responding to emerging infectious diseases.