There is no vaccine for deadly hantavirus, but this scientist is working on one

image via New Scientist

May 8, 2026, 11:00 AM

• •Hantavirus is a rare but deadly infection spread through rodent particles.
• •A vaccine is being developed by Jay Hooper at the US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases.
• •The vaccine has shown promise in human trials, but requires further development and funding.
• •Antibody-based treatments are also being explored as potential alternatives.

An outbreak of hantavirus on a cruise ship has highlighted the need for treatment and prevention, with virologist Jay Hooper working on a vaccine for over three decades. The virus spreads through rodent particles and can be fatal, with no current treatments available. Hooper's team has made progress with hamster models and phase 1 clinical trials, but faces challenges in funding and licensing. Potential recipients of the vaccine would be travelers, outdoor workers, and military personnel, although the commercial market is limited.

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