WHO says hantavirus outbreak nearing containment

The World Health Organization (WHO) says a hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise vessel is approaching containment, with most quarantine measures completed and international contact tracing largely finalised.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a post on X that the captain of the MV Hondius and most crew members have completed quarantine procedures, Caliber.Az reports.

#Hantavirus update:
- MV Hondius captain and most of crew members completed their quarantine.
- More than 600 contacts of those who got sick have been tracked across 33 countries and territories. More than 80% of the contacts have finished their 42-day follow-up period.
- Cases… pic.twitter.com/jLEaqw5tfe

— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) June 23, 2026

He added that more than 600 contacts of infected individuals have been identified across 33 countries and territories, with over 80% having completed a 42-day monitoring period.

According to Tedros, the number of confirmed cases remains stable at 13, including three deaths, suggesting the outbreak is “closing in” on being brought under control.

He also expressed gratitude to the ship’s captain, Jan Dobrogowski, and crew members for their leadership in ensuring passenger safety during the response effort.

The WHO chief further thanked Spain, the Netherlands, Cabo Verde, South Africa and the United Kingdom for their role in managing the international public health response.

By Sabina Mammadli