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Tools to fight hantavirus show promise despite limited funding. Now researchers hope to continue

Tools to fight hantavirus show promise despite limited funding. Now researchers hope to continue

There were no treatments or vaccines to protect people during the recent hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship
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Researchers Develop Promising Hantavirus Treatments Amid Funding Challenges

Researchers Develop Promising Hantavirus Treatments Amid Funding Challenges

Researchers in Chile, Argentina, and the United States are making progress in developing treatments and vaccines for hantavirus, a rare but deadly virus transmitted by rodents. Despite the virus being known for decades, limited funding has hindered the development of effective treatments. Recent outbreaks, such as one on a cruise ship, have highlighted the need for medical solutions. A study published recently suggests that a drug used for autoimmune diseases may help mitigate severe symptoms of hantavirus. The Andes virus, a strain capable of human-to-human transmission, is a particular focus due to its high mortality rate. Efforts are also underway to develop vaccines and antibody treatments, although these face significant financial and logistical hurdles.
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World Cup 2026: Health Officials Address Measles, Respiratory Viruses, and Heat Risks

World Cup 2026: Health Officials Address Measles, Respiratory Viruses, and Heat Risks

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, health officials are focusing on mitigating public health risks associated with large-scale international gatherings. While the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda has been designated a 'public health emergency of international concern' by the WHO, experts consider the risk of Ebola transmission during the tournament to be low due to its transmission method. Instead, more contagious diseases like measles, COVID-19, and influenza are of greater concern, especially as the U.S. recorded its highest number of measles cases in decades in 2025. Additional risks include arboviruses like dengue, heat-related illnesses, and foodborne diseases. Cities like Dallas and Philadelphia are enhancing surveillance and response systems, including mosquito monitoring and mobile labs for rapid testing. Public health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination and preparedness to ensure a safe event for millions of atten...
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Five American Cruise Ship Passengers Released from Nebraska Quarantine

Five American Cruise Ship Passengers Released from Nebraska Quarantine

Five American passengers from a cruise ship have been released from a quarantine facility in Nebraska after being exposed to hantavirus. These individuals will complete their monitoring at home, having shown no symptoms and meeting criteria for home monitoring. The passengers were part of a group of 18 Americans quarantined following a hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship in the South Atlantic Ocean. The outbreak involved the Andes virus, which can spread between people in rare cases. No cases have been confirmed in the U.S., and the risk to the public remains low.
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CDC Allows Hantavirus-Exposed Cruise Ship Passengers to Complete Quarantine at Home

CDC Allows Hantavirus-Exposed Cruise Ship Passengers to Complete Quarantine at Home

Several Americans who were exposed to a rare strain of hantavirus on a cruise ship have been allowed to return home to complete their quarantine. Five passengers have been released from the National Quarantine Unit, managed by the University of Nebraska Medical Center, to finish the second half of their six-week quarantine at home. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that these individuals remain symptom-free and have met the criteria for home monitoring. Thirteen others remain in the quarantine unit, with some expected to leave in the coming weeks. The CDC emphasized that there is no immediate risk to the public, and state health departments will continue to monitor the individuals daily. A sixth passenger was unable to leave the quarantine unit due to their state's non-compliance with federal monitoring requirements.
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U.S. Commits Over $212 Million to Ebola Response in Africa, Strengthening Global Health Security

U.S. Commits Over $212 Million to Ebola Response in Africa, Strengthening Global Health Security

The United States has pledged over $212 million to support Ebola response efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. This includes more than $162 million in direct assistance and $50 million for establishing up to 50 Ebola response clinics. The funding is coordinated with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to contain the virus and prevent its international spread. Additionally, the U.S. has provided $350 million through the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) for broader humanitarian relief in the region. The U.S. government is also working with African governments to strengthen preparedness measures beyond the outbreak zones, including a $13.5 million commitment to Kenya's Ebola preparedness initiatives.
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5 American cruise ship passengers leave Nebraska quarantine facility

5 American cruise ship passengers leave Nebraska quarantine facility

Five American cruise ship passengers exposed to hantavirus are leaving a Nebraska quarantine facility
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U.S. Commits Over $212 Million to Ebola Response in Africa, Strengthening Global Health Efforts

U.S. Commits Over $212 Million to Ebola Response in Africa, Strengthening Global Health Efforts

The United States has pledged more than $212 million to support Ebola outbreak response efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda. This funding, coordinated with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), aims to contain the virus and prevent its international spread. The commitment includes over $162 million in direct assistance and $50 million for establishing up to 50 Ebola response clinics. Additionally, the U.S. has provided $350 million through United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) funds for broader humanitarian relief in the region. This initiative is part of a larger $1.8 billion humanitarian package announced in May. The U.S. is also working with African governments to enhance preparedness measures beyond the outbreak zones, including a $13.5 million commitment to Kenya's Ebola preparedness.
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Five Americans Return Home After Hantavirus Quarantine in Nebraska

Five Americans Return Home After Hantavirus Quarantine in Nebraska

Five Americans who were potentially exposed to hantavirus on the cruise ship MV Hondius have returned home after completing a quarantine period in Nebraska. These individuals were quarantined since May 10 and have remained symptom-free. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has allowed them to return home under the condition that their states provide 24/7 monitoring for the remaining three weeks of their six-week quarantine. This decision is part of a broader strategy by the CDC to manage the risk of hantavirus exposure while ensuring public safety.
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WHO Reports Ebola Outbreak in Congo Amidst Summer Travel Concerns

WHO Reports Ebola Outbreak in Congo Amidst Summer Travel Concerns

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a significant Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), driven by the Bundibugyo strain. This outbreak has resulted in 900 suspected cases and 220 suspected deaths. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the importance of community cooperation, early medical support, and safe burials to contain the outbreak. The outbreak is the third-largest in history, with efforts ongoing to control its spread amidst conflict-affected regions. The U.S. has responded by tightening entry restrictions for foreign nationals from affected areas and implementing enhanced screening for returning U.S. citizens.
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WHO Declares Emergency as Ebola Outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo Surges

WHO Declares Emergency as Ebola Outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo Surges

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is currently experiencing a significant Ebola outbreak, with the epicenter located in the Ituri Province. The outbreak, which began in late April 2026, involves a new strain of the virus known as the Bundibugyo strain. As of May 29, 2026, there have been over 1,000 suspected cases and more than 200 suspected deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the situation an emergency, and there are confirmed cases in neighboring Uganda. The outbreak is further complicated by ongoing ethnic violence and the presence of gold mining areas, which facilitate the spread of the virus. International efforts are underway to contain the outbreak, including vaccine development and medical assistance from China.