The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the global hantavirus outbreak officially over, while Ebola outbreaks continue to expand in Africa, according to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Tedros reported that the last person exposed to hantavirus on the cruise ship MV Hondius has completed quarantine, tested negative, and returned home, with no new cases reported since 25 May. The total hantavirus cases remain at 13, including three deaths, with over 650 contacts monitored across 33 countries and territories.

In contrast, the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is worsening, with 1,406 confirmed cases and 438 deaths as of 2 July. The outbreak has seen an average of 38 new confirmed cases daily over the past two weeks. Meanwhile, Uganda has reported no new Ebola cases since 21 June.

The WHO chief highlighted strengthened response efforts under the DRC Government’s leadership, including expanded testing capacity with 10 laboratories closer to affected communities, improved contact tracing, and treatment capabilities. However, significant challenges persist, including mistrust and violence. This week, an Ebola treatment centre in Ituri province was attacked and set ablaze, resulting in two deaths and patients fleeing.

Tedros stressed the importance of international cooperation in managing these health threats, stating, “The outbreaks of hantavirus, Ebola and Marburg all show why there is no alternative to international cooperation in the face of international threats: no country alone can fight.”

He also pointed to the upcoming negotiations among WHO Member States on the pathogen access and benefit sharing system under the WHO Pandemic Agreement as an opportunity for collective action.

Additionally, Tedros drew attention to the impact of social media and digital environments on young people's health, noting these platforms “are not neutral” and that their design, governance, and monetization influence many aspects of life, including health.

Sources