Therapies showing promise against the hanta viruses
The rheumatoid arthritis drug tocilizumab has shown promise in treating patients with the pulmonary syndrome associated with some hanta virus strains. Also, monoclonal antibodies derived from hanta virus survivors blood donations are being studied.
It’s very difficult to perform the research for a vaccine because cases are generally sporadic and patients are too few to effectively perform the studies, but there is research being performed.
The risk in the United States is extremely low and preventive measure such as rodent control are the mainstays of prevention. Worldwide, however, hanta virus has spread in areas in South America and Europe. Climate change is thought to contribute to the dissemination of these viruses.
It’s very difficult to perform the research for a vaccine because cases are generally sporadic and patients are too few to effectively perform the studies, but there is research being performed.
The risk in the United States is extremely low and preventive measure such as rodent control are the mainstays of prevention. Worldwide, however, hanta virus has spread in areas in South America and Europe. Climate change is thought to contribute to the dissemination of these viruses.
