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‘Ivermectin should work…’: Doctor suggests hantavirus solution after Georgia update
Houston-based doctor Mary Talley Bowden suggests ivermectin could treat hantavirus after a hantavirus outbreak led to evacuations from the MV Hondius. The World Health Organization reported evacuations of three people linked to a confirmed case, and Georgia’s public health department monitoring two residents who had disembarked from the ship. The article also notes the cruise's movements and public commentary from at least one former Georgia politician.
Why It Matters
The piece highlights ongoing debate about potential treatments for hantavirus and shows how public health updates and social media commentary intersect during an outbreak.
Timeline
5 Events
MTG responds to Bowden’s ivermectin claim
May 7, 2026
Former Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene responded, saying she texted Bowden to ask what can treat hantavirus and mentioning ivermectin, vitamin D, and zinc, while referencing prior remarks about lockdowns and immunity.
Bowden posts ivermectin claim for hantavirus
May 7, 2026
Houston-based doctor Mary Talley Bowden shared on social media that ivermectin could possibly work against hantavirus, describing proposed mechanisms by which ivermectin might affect RNA viruses.
Georgia DPH monitors two Hondius passengers
May 7, 2026
Earlier this week, the Georgia Department of Public Health said it was monitoring two residents who had returned home after disembarking from the MV Hondius; both were in good health and showed no signs of infection; identities not released.
MV Hondius leaves anchorage off Cape Verde for Canary Islands
May 7, 2026
The cruise then left its anchorage off Cape Verde and headed for Spain's Canary Islands.
Emergency evacuation of two sick crew members and a contact from MV Hondius
May 6, 2026
The World Health Organization said emergency crews evacuated two sick crew members and another person who had been in contact with one of the confirmed hantavirus cases on Wednesday, during the hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius.