ASIATODAY.ID, GENEVA — The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared the global hantavirus outbreak over, but warned that a rapidly expanding Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is emerging as one of the world’s most urgent public health emergencies.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the end of the hantavirus outbreak demonstrates what countries can achieve through coordinated international action. At the same time, he cautioned that the escalating Ebola outbreak, alongside humanitarian crises and environmental health threats, underscores the need for stronger global cooperation.
“There is no alternative to international cooperation in the face of international health threats,” Tedros said during a global health briefing on Thursday.
According to WHO, the hantavirus outbreak ended after the final individual exposed aboard the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius completed quarantine, tested negative, and returned home. The outbreak recorded 13 confirmed cases, including three deaths, while health authorities successfully monitored more than 650 contacts across 33 countries and territories. No additional infections have been reported since May 25.
While closing one chapter, WHO warned that the Ebola situation in eastern DRC continues to deteriorate.
The agency has confirmed 1,406 Ebola cases and 438 deaths, with an average of 38 new infections reported each day over the past two weeks. Although neighboring Uganda has not reported any new Ebola cases since June 21, health officials remain on high alert to prevent cross-border transmission.
WHO said the response has expanded significantly under the leadership of the DRC Government. Testing capacity has increased through a network of 10 laboratories located closer to affected communities, while contact tracing and treatment services have also been strengthened.
In a further step to improve patient outcomes, a clinical trial evaluating two Ebola therapeutics has begun, and WHO has granted emergency use listing for the first molecular diagnostic test capable of detecting the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus.
Despite those advances, Tedros warned that insecurity and public mistrust continue to hamper response efforts. Earlier this week, an Ebola treatment center in Ituri Province was attacked and set ablaze, killing two people and forcing patients to flee.
Beyond disease outbreaks, WHO also highlighted the humanitarian consequences of last week’s devastating earthquakes in Venezuela. More than 2,300 people have been killed, over 5,000 injured, and nearly 16,000 displaced, placing additional strain on an already fragile healthcare system.
To support the response, WHO has released emergency funding, deployed more than six metric tonnes of medical supplies—with additional shipments on the way—coordinated international emergency medical teams, and helped maintain essential health services.
Tedros also warned that air pollution remains one of the world’s deadliest yet often overlooked health threats. Around 6.5 billion people continue to breathe polluted air above WHO guideline levels, contributing to an estimated 6.7 million premature deaths every year from cardiovascular disease, stroke, respiratory illness, and cancer.
He further raised concerns about the growing influence of digital platforms on young people’s health, warning that algorithms designed to maximize engagement can amplify health misinformation. WHO is working with governments and partners to promote safer and more trustworthy digital health environments.
The WHO chief said the convergence of infectious disease outbreaks, natural disasters, environmental risks, and digital health challenges demonstrates that global health security depends on sustained international collaboration.
As WHO member states prepare to continue negotiations on the Pandemic Agreement’s pathogen access and benefit-sharing system next week, Tedros urged governments to strengthen collective action, warning that future health emergencies can only be addressed through shared responsibility and international solidarity. (AT Network)
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