The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that the recent Hantavirus outbreak is nearing its conclusion, with no new cases reported among monitored contacts in affected countries.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that all individuals who had been in contact with the two confirmed cases identified in South Africa have completed their monitoring period without any additional infections being detected.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, Ghebreyesus also noted that quarantine and follow-up procedures had been successfully completed in both Spain and Netherlands, including for crew members aboard the vessel MV Hondius.

According to the WHO, the total number of confirmed Hantavirus cases remains at 13, including three fatalities. Health officials emphasized that the situation has remained stable in recent weeks, leading to growing confidence that the outbreak is approaching its end.

The WHO continues to monitor the situation closely while maintaining surveillance measures to prevent any potential resurgence of infections.

Hantavirus is a rare but potentially life-threatening disease transmitted primarily through contact with infected rodents, including mice and rats. The virus can cause severe respiratory and other serious health complications in humans, making rapid detection and containment measures essential during outbreaks.

Global health authorities have welcomed the absence of new cases as a positive sign, while urging continued vigilance in areas where exposure to rodent populations remains a public health concern. (ILKHA)