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UK Secures Favipiravir From Japan for Cruise-Linked Hantavirus Outbreak

The move expands treatment options using an antiviral not proven for hantavirus.

Overview

  • The UK Health Security Agency said it accepted a shipment of favipiravir from Japan to boost clinical stocks, with no details disclosed on dose numbers.
  • Favipiravir is not licensed in Britain and is approved in Japan for influenza under the brand Avigan.
  • Scientists say using favipiravir for hantavirus is an experimental step that lacks strong human trial evidence.
  • The cluster involves the Andes virus, which can spread between people after close, prolonged contact, with eight confirmed cases, two probable cases, and three deaths linked to the Hondius.
  • Dutch authorities disembarked crew and medical staff after the ship reached Rotterdam, and the World Health Organization says there is no sign of greater transmissibility or a pandemic threat.