WHO Declares Hantavirus Outbreak Over Amid Ebola Concerns

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared the Hantavirus outbreak over, as stated by Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

The outbreak recorded 13 confirmed cases, including three deaths, and health authorities tracked 650 contacts across 33 countries and territories. The conclusion of the outbreak follows the completion of contact identification and quarantines, with all tests returning negative.

Despite this, Dr. Tedros emphasized the need for continued research on Hantavirus and coordination of studies involving 21 countries to improve diagnostics, treatment, and vaccine development for future outbreaks.

He commended the support from various countries, particularly Spain, which facilitated the safe disembarkation and repatriation of passengers and crew from the cruise ship MV Hondiu. Meanwhile, the Ebola situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo remains a significant concern, with an average of 38 new confirmed cases reported daily over the past two weeks, totaling 1,406 confirmed infections and 438 deaths.