rki.news | Sources: Anadolu
GENEVA: The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the hantavirus outbreak over after no new infections were reported since May 25, while warning that Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to worsen, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said during a briefing.
Tedros said the final contact linked to an infected passenger aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship completed quarantine and tested negative, allowing WHO to close the outbreak. A total of 13 cases, including three deaths, were recorded. More than 650 contacts across 33 countries and territories were monitored during the response.
Despite the declaration, WHO said it will continue working with governments and partners to strengthen understanding of hantavirus. A 21-country study has been launched to improve research on diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines for future outbreaks.
WHO also raised concern over Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, reporting an average of 38 new cases daily over the past two weeks. Total confirmed cases have reached 1,406, with 438 deaths recorded.
The agency said it has expanded laboratory testing, contact tracing, and treatment capacity, while beginning clinical trials of two experimental therapies. It also granted emergency use listing to the first molecular diagnostic test for Bundibugyo virus.
Separately, WHO said earthquakes in Venezuela have killed about 2,300 people, injured 5,000, and left nearly 16,000 homeless. Emergency funds and medical supplies have been deployed for relief operations.