University of Bath Advances First Hantaan mRNA Vaccine as 11 Cruise-Ship Hantavirus Cases Stoke Fears
Updated
Updated · Euronews · May 13
University of Bath Advances First Hantaan mRNA Vaccine as 11 Cruise-Ship Hantavirus Cases Stoke Fears
2 articles · Updated · Euronews · May 13
Animal tests showed promising immune responses for a University of Bath mRNA vaccine targeting the Hantaan hantavirus strain, a project the UK government commissioned in 2024.
The candidate uses ensilication to improve thermal stability, already moving storage requirements from about -70C to standard refrigerator temperatures of 2-8C, with room-temperature transport the next goal.
Researchers said it is still unclear whether the same antigen or platform would protect against the Andes strain linked to the MV Hondius outbreak, which triggered renewed concern.
WHO had identified 11 cases, including 9 confirmed infections and 3 deaths among cruise passengers by May 12, but said there was no sign of a wider outbreak after the ship's evacuation.
Scientists stressed hantavirus remains rare and less transmissible than coronavirus, framing the vaccine work as preparedness against an emerging threat rather than a response to an unfolding pandemic.
First COVID, now hantavirus. What will it take to stop cruise ships from becoming viral incubators?
With a 40% death rate, why is there still no vaccine for the deadly and transmissible Andes virus?
Passengers were sent home under different rules. Could this contained hantavirus outbreak still spread globally?
MV Hondius 2026 Hantavirus Crisis: Human Transmission, Vaccine Innovation, and Gaps in Global Preparedness
Overview
In April-May 2026, the MV Hondius cruise ship became the center of a global health alert after an unprecedented hantavirus outbreak. This marked the first time human-to-human transmission of hantavirus was documented on a boat, a significant event reported by the World Health Organization. The outbreak involved the Andes virus, which is known to cause severe respiratory illness called Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. Although human transmission of this strain is rare, it has been observed before. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges in managing and preventing hantavirus infections, especially in confined environments like cruise ships.