The European Commission has announced the emergency distribution of an experimental antiviral treatment for hantavirus to France, Spain and the Netherlands as health authorities respond to a growing outbreak linked to a cruise ship.
European officials said the first consignments of favipiravir ,a drug considered a possible treatment option for hantavirus infections are now being delivered to the affected countries following urgent requests for medical support.
According to the Commission, the European Medicines Agency identified favipiravir as the most suitable potential therapy currently available for use under compassionate access programmes and clinical trial arrangements, as there is no approved treatment specifically designed for hantavirus infections.
Japanese pharmaceutical company Fujifilm Pharmaceuticals donated 1,400 tablets of the antiviral medication to support the emergency response.
The European Union has also begun accelerated procurement efforts to secure additional supplies of the drug in anticipation of possible new infections in the coming weeks.
Health authorities have confirmed 13 hantavirus cases connected to a cruise ship believed to be at the centre of the outbreak. Patients are currently receiving treatment in France, Spain and the Netherlands, while additional cases have also been reported in Switzerland, the United States and South Africa.
Hantaviruses are primarily spread through contact with infected rodents and can lead to severe respiratory or kidney-related illnesses in humans.
The World Health Organization estimates that up to 100,000 hantavirus infections occur globally every year.
Although the virus is not considered highly transmissible between people, some strains can cause life-threatening complications. Officials confirmed that three people have died since the outbreak began.
Authorities across Europe say investigations and monitoring efforts are continuing as health agencies work to contain the spread of the virus and prevent further fatalities.
Goodness Anunobi
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