Post by : Badri Ariffin

A recent hantavirus outbreak associated with a cruise ship has refocused attention on the urgent research efforts of Chilean scientists to find a treatment for this hazardous disease.

Years back, researchers in Chile had made significant strides in developing antibodies effective against the Andes strain of hantavirus, the sole known type that can spread between humans. However, progress slowed due to funding issues and the shifting health priorities influenced by the coronavirus pandemic.

The outbreak aboard the MV Hondius, which was traveling from Argentina to Europe, resulted in several infections and fatalities. This incident has prompted warnings from the World Health Organization (WHO) and heightened international concerns about the virus's transmission.

The research effort, spearheaded by scientist Marcela Barria and her team at Universidad de Concepcion, achieved notable advancements back in 2016 when they discovered that specially formulated antibodies could neutralize the virus in laboratory environments. Follow-up animal studies produced encouraging results, with one antibody completely clearing the infection from the lungs.

Collaborating with international entities, including the US National Institutes of Health, Germany’s Robert Koch Institute, and Ichor Biologics based in New York, the team published important findings in 2018, demonstrating that two monoclonal antibodies effectively fought the virus. By 2021, one of the treatments even gained orphan drug status from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — a decision aimed at accelerating medical development.

Despite these advancements, the research came to a halt prior to commencing human trials due to a lack of nearly $7 million in funding. Resources were shifted to address the pandemic, further delaying the work.

Barria expressed that while the team had progressed significantly, they faced challenges in obtaining the necessary infrastructure and funding to pursue clinical trials on humans.

As per Chile’s Health Ministry, the nation has reported 39 hantavirus cases along with 13 fatalities in 2026 alone, while neighboring Argentina noted 42 infections by early May.

Health professionals warn that hantavirus continues to pose a major risk in South America, particularly in southern Chile and Argentina. The disease often begins with flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and muscle pain, and can escalate to severe respiratory issues requiring intensive care.

Currently, there is no specific treatment for hantavirus, though timely diagnosis and medical assistance can significantly increase survival probabilities. In some instances, fatality rates can reach as high as 40%.

Barria and her team are revisiting studies on immune responses and antibody longevity while actively searching for new funding to reinitiate human trials. She estimates it may take up to two years to bring their work back to its pre-pandemic standing.

This latest outbreak has sparked renewed global interest in effective treatments and preventive vaccines ahead of potential future hantavirus crises.

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