Experimental Drug Delivered to UK Amid Hantavirus Outbreak Linked to Cruise Liner
Britain received favipiravir from Japan to combat a hantavirus outbreak connected to the Hondius cruise ship. The UK Health Security Agency clarified that although favipiravir is experimental for hantavirus use, it might improve treatment stocks. The risk of transmission in the UK remains low with three fatalities reported.
Britain has acquired supplies of the antiviral drug favipiravir from Japan in response to a hantavirus outbreak linked to the Hondius cruise liner, according to the UK Health Security Agency on Monday.
The UKHSA confirmed the drug's delivery over the weekend, suggesting it would augment current treatment options, despite low transmission risk domestically. The number of doses received was not disclosed by either UKHSA or Japanese authorities. The cruise ship involved docked in Rotterdam, where crew and medical staff disembarked. From eight confirmed cases and two probable cases, three individuals have died.
Originally developed by Fujifilm's Toyama Chemical for flu treatment, favipiravir, known as Avigan in Japan, is unlicensed in the UK. Its application here is experimental or compassionate, likely aimed at severe cases. Virologist Piet Maes noted the absence of human trial data supporting its effectiveness against hantavirus. The outbreak involves Andes virus, an unusual strain with potential human-to-human transmission under specific conditions.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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