WHO: Hantavirus Outbreak on Ship Could End July 2

GENEVA (CNA/Reuters) - The World Health Organization (WHO) announced today that the deadly Hantavirus outbreak on the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius, which has drawn international attention, is expected to be declared over on July 2.

The MV Hondius departed from Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1, visiting remote South Atlantic islands including Tristan da Cunha during its voyage. The ship later sailed north to Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands, where all remaining passengers were disembarked. The outbreak involved 12 confirmed cases of Hantavirus, one suspected case, and resulted in three deaths, triggering an international public health alert.

Hantavirus is primarily transmitted through contact with the excrement of infected rodents or by inhaling dust containing the virus. Initial symptoms include fever and headache, and in severe cases, it can cause organ damage and be life-threatening.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated at a press conference at the organization's headquarters in Geneva today that a total of over 650 contacts have been identified and are being monitored by health authorities in 33 countries and regions.

"All but 54 contacts have completed their quarantine period, and the quarantine period for the remaining contacts is expected to end on July 2," Tedros said.

He added that if no new cases emerge by then, the WHO will consider the outbreak over. However, he emphasized that the WHO will continue to work to understand the outbreak and the virus itself. (Compiled by Chen Cheng-chien) 1150625