WHO chief says hantavirus outbreak ended, Ebola cases rise in Africa, aid continues in Venezuela

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Thursday that the global hantavirus outbreak has been declared officially over, marking the end of coordinated international efforts to contain the disease. The declaration follows a sustained decline in reported cases worldwide and the successful implementation of vaccination and surveillance programs that have limited further transmission.

At the same time, the WHO highlighted a contrasting situation in Africa, where Ebola outbreaks are on the rise. Health authorities in several affected countries have reported new clusters of the virus, prompting the agency to mobilize additional resources, deploy rapid‑response teams, and accelerate the distribution of experimental treatments and vaccines to curb the spread.

In Latin America, WHO officials noted ongoing humanitarian assistance in Venezuela, where rescue and recovery operations continue after a devastating earthquake. International responders are supporting medical facilities, providing essential supplies, and coordinating with local authorities to address the immediate health needs of the affected population. The organization emphasized that these parallel efforts reflect its broader mandate to monitor, prevent, and respond to health emergencies worldwide.