WHO says cruise-linked hantavirus outbreak officially over

The World Health Organization announced on Tuesday that the hantavirus outbreak linked to a Caribbean‑bound cruise ship has been declared over after the last individual identified as exposed completed a 21‑day quarantine and tested negative for the virus. The outbreak, first reported in early June, affected 12 passengers and crew members who exhibited symptoms ranging from fever and muscle aches to severe respiratory distress. Health authorities traced the source to rodent infestations in the ship’s galley and storage areas, prompting immediate containment actions, including isolation of symptomatic individuals, extensive sanitation of the vessel, and suspension of the cruise itinerary for two weeks.

WHO’s statement highlighted that all confirmed cases have recovered and no new infections have been reported since the quarantine began. The agency commended the coordinated response of the ship’s operator, national health ministries, and local public‑health officials, noting that rapid testing, contact tracing, and strict quarantine protocols were instrumental in preventing further spread. With the final exposed person cleared, the organization affirmed that the risk to other travelers and the broader public is now negligible, allowing the cruise line to resume operations under enhanced rodent‑control measures.