Scientists have reported new prospects in the development of treatments for hantavirus—a rare but deadly infection transmitted via rodents. The impetus for intensified research was a recent outbreak of the disease on a cruise liner. This was reported by AP, according to UNN.
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Despite the fact that hantavirus has been known for decades and is prevalent in various regions of the world, there are still no approved drugs or vaccines to combat it. Experts attribute this to insufficient funding, as the infection occurs relatively rarely and does not have widespread human-to-human transmission.
At the same time, researchers from Chile, Argentina, and the US continue to work on possible treatment methods. In a new study published Wednesday, scientists reported that a drug currently used to treat autoimmune diseases may help hantavirus patients fight the most dangerous complications of the disease.
Scientists hope that the increased attention to the virus following the outbreak on the cruise ship, as well as the risks of rising case numbers due to climate change and more frequent human contact with rodents, will help attract additional resources for research.
"I hope that this situation will help us continue our research and strengthen cooperation between healthcare professionals, the community, and the necessary resources,"