WHO declares hantavirus outbreak over, warns of Ebola, H5N1 threats
The World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday declared the recent hantavirus outbreak officially over, while warning that Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the spread of H5N1 bird flu in Australia remain major public health concerns.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the outbreak ended after the final contact of an infected passenger aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship completed quarantine and tested negative.
“No further cases have been reported since the 25th of May. We're therefore very pleased to say that WHO considers the outbreak of hantavirus over,” Tedros said.
The outbreak resulted in 13 confirmed cases, including three deaths, with more than 650 contacts monitored across 33 countries and territories. WHO will continue research with 21 countries to improve diagnostics, treatments and vaccines for future outbreaks, he added.
Ebola outbreak grows
Tedros said the Ebola outbreak in the DRC continues to expand, with 1,406 confirmed cases and 438 deaths, and an average of 38 new infections reported daily over the past two weeks.
WHO has increased laboratory testing, expanded treatment capacity and launched clinical trials of two experimental therapeutics, although mistrust and violence continue to hinder response efforts.
Australia reports suspected H5N1 case
Meanwhile, Australia reported a suspected sixth case of highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu in New South Wales, after confirming five cases since June 14.
New South Wales Chief Veterinary Officer Jo Coombe described the situation as "incredibly concerning" but said all confirmed cases have been detected in wild birds, with no evidence of transmission to domestic poultry.
Tedros also said WHO has stepped up its response to the deadly earthquakes in Venezuela, which killed 2,300 people and injured 5,000, by releasing $1.5 million in emergency funding and dispatching medical supplies.
Source:AA
