World Health Organization Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has announced that the hantavirus outbreak is officially considered over, bringing an end to a major global health concern.
The decision was made after the last known contacts of the infected individual completed quarantine and all tests returned negative results. The final case linked to the outbreak was reported on May 25, and no new cases have been detected since then.
According to the World Health Organization, a total of 13 cases were reported during the outbreak, including three deaths. More than 650 contacts were monitored across 33 countries and territories.
Dr. Tedros said that although the outbreak has ended, the organization will continue research on the disease to gain a better understanding of it and to improve preventive measures in the future.
He added that the World Health Organization is currently engaged in a joint research initiative involving 21 countries aimed at understanding the spread of the disease and supporting the development of improved diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines for the future.
