Hantavirus antibody and vaccine research gains urgency amid outbreak
Updated
Updated · The Wall Street Journal · May 11
Hantavirus antibody and vaccine research gains urgency amid outbreak
12 articles · Updated · The Wall Street Journal · May 11
A cruise-ship outbreak of the Andes strain has killed three people and sickened five, prompting global health officials to try to contain a rare person-to-person hantavirus spread.
A consortium antibody protected hamsters in a 2022 study, but funding from the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases ended in 2024 before human testing began.
Moderna and a US Army research institute have pursued early-stage vaccine work, including a 2024 Korea University collaboration, while other Army-led studies reported immune responses in people in 2023.
A promising hantavirus antibody exists but lacks funding. Can this deadly outbreak finally push it into human trials?
Why does it take a deadly outbreak for 'neglected' diseases like hantavirus to finally secure research funding?
The Andes virus can spread between people. How prepared are we for other animal viruses that might do the same?
Rare Person-to-Person Hantavirus Transmission on the MV Hondius: The 2026 Andes Virus Outbreak and Its Global Implications
Overview
In May 2026, a rare hantavirus outbreak occurred aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, notable for its unusual person-to-person transmission. Public health authorities quickly responded by monitoring affected passengers, including more than two dozen Americans. Seven Americans returned home and showed no symptoms, while 17 remained onboard for further observation. Efforts focused on preventing further spread, as the outbreak highlighted the challenges of managing infectious diseases in international travel settings. This incident underscored the importance of vigilant monitoring and international cooperation to contain rare but serious health threats.