The World Health Organization declared the hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship officially over on July 2, 2026.
The announcement followed the successful completion of quarantine and negative test results for the final exposed contact.
A total of 13 cases, consisting of 12 confirmed and one probable infection, were recorded during the outbreak, leading to three deaths.
Health authorities across 33 countries and territories monitored more than 650 contacts during the response effort.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus confirmed that no new cases have emerged since May 25.
"WHO considers the hantavirus outbreak over," said Dr. Tedros.
Global health officials are now looking toward future prevention strategies based on data gathered from the incident.
"Although the outbreak is over, WHO will continue working with governments and partners to advance our understanding of this outbreak and of hantavirus more generally," said Dr. Tedros.
The agency is spearheading international scientific research to combat the viral strain effectively.
"We are also coordinating a study involving 21 countries to understand how the disease develops, which will support the development of diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines for future outbreaks," said Dr. Tedros.
Earlier in the response, officials assessed the general threat posed by the situation to the public as "low."
The tracking of passengers indicated that the infection remained contained within the ship community.
"There is no sign that we are seeing the start of a larger outbreak," said Dr. Tedros.
The agency initially tracked the cluster after receiving medical alerts from the vessel in early May.
Investigations revealed that the initial patients had participated in an excursion before boarding the vessel.
They "travelled through Argentina, Chile and Uruguay on a bird-watching trip which included visits to sites where the species of rat known to carry the virus was present," stated the WHO.
WHO Medical Officer Dr. Diana Rojas Alverez emphasized that the regional threat from hantaviruses persists despite the closure of this outbreak.
"Andes virus and other hantaviruses are still a public health risk for South America, and some other endemic areas," said Dr. Rojas Alverez.
Ongoing surveillance remains crucial to preventing future cluster infections.
"What we need to continue doing is to keep monitoring this virus, keep preparing for further spread," said Dr. Rojas Alverez.
Passengers endured strict isolation conditions during the mandatory 42-day quarantine period, with some expressing severe emotional distress.
"Hostage," said passenger Angela Perryman.
Isolation facilities were heavily criticized by those confined inside them.
"Prison," said Perryman.
The psychological toll of the prolonged confinement affected multiple passengers.
"I don't think there has been a day since I've been here that I didn't cry," said Perryman.
The enforcement of isolation led to jurisdictional debates, with the Florida surgeon general advocating for a softer approach.
"Voluntary," stated the Florida Surgeon General.
State officials argued against the necessity of round-the-clock physical surveillance for returning residents.
"Not necessary," stated the Florida Surgeon General.
Among those isolated was an American physician who helped care for patients on the ship before contracting the virus himself.
"Feels wonderful," said Dr. Stephen Kornfeld, a passenger.
