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Hantavirus outbreak: Scientists ran out of funds while developing a vaccine, report says
WHO data on May 13 confirms three deaths and 11 cases in the hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius, with eight infections caused by Andes virus. The outbreak triggers international response and ongoing investigations into transmission. The report highlights funding shortfalls that have slowed vaccine development since a 2016 breakthrough.
Why It Matters
The outbreak highlights ongoing public health risks and shows how funding gaps can delay the development of a potential vaccine, affecting response efforts and future preparedness.
Timeline
3 Events
Passengers from the cruise expected to fly from the Netherlands to Australia
May 14, 2026
Six passengers from the cruise, including four Australians, one British citizen living in Australia and one New Zealander, are expected to fly from the Netherlands to Australia on Thursday, May 14, 2026. They are reported to be in good health and have recently tested negative for the virus.
WHO updates confirm outbreak linked to MV Hondius; deaths and cases reported
May 13, 2026
The World Health Organization issued an update confirming a hantavirus outbreak linked to the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius, with three deaths and 11 cases reported this year. Eight of the cases are confirmed infections linked to the Andes virus, the only known hantavirus strain with human-to-human transmission. The first identified patient is believed to have contracted the infection before boarding the ship, and investigations are ongoing.
Breakthrough in hantavirus antibody-based treatments reported; funding later stalled
2016
A major breakthrough in antibody-based treatments for hantavirus emerged around 2016, led by Marcela Barria and colleagues at Universidad de Concepcion in Chile. The project later stalled due to a lack of funding; moving into human trials would require nearly $7 million, and progress slowed significantly during the Covid-19 pandemic.