Research on hantaviruses has been relatively limited, according to scientists at Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, because these viruses infect a small number of people each year, spreading among humans is rare except for Andes virus, and require high-level biosafety laboratories for study. As a result, progress in developing vaccines and treatments for hantavirus infections has also been slow.
While this recent (small) hantavirus outbreak is not cause for panic, it should serve as an important reminder for continued government supports in infectious disease research and pandemic preparedness. It highlights just how easily emerging viruses can spread across the globe, and how we must remain vigilant for both known and unforeseen threats.
Quick facts about hantaviruses:
Rodent-borne RNA that can cause severe disease in humans (Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome -high mortality rate and Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome – lower mortality rate),
Almost all hantaviruses are not transmissible between humans, with one critical exception: Andes virus (ANDV),
Andes virus requires infection-control planning similar to other emerging respiratory pathogens,
Global travel, health care exposure and confined environments (e.g. ships) can rapidly amplify outbreaks, as demonstrated by recent events, and
These factors underscore the critical importance of pandemic preparedness and early characterization of emerging viruses
Details – Public Health Image Library(PHIL) from CDC website sin Nombre Hantavirus particles
Research at the Blumberg Institute primarily focuses on understanding the pathobiology of hepatitis B virus and related diseases. We’re also working on developing antiviral drugs and immune modulators to treat viral diseases.
Research on hantaviruses has been relatively limited, according to scientists at Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, because these viruses infect a small number of people each year, spreading among humans is rare except for Andes virus, and require high-level biosafety laboratories for study. As a result, progress in developing vaccines and treatments for hantavirus infections has also been slow.
While this recent (small) hantavirus outbreak is not cause for panic, it should serve as an important reminder for continued government supports in infectious disease research and pandemic preparedness. It highlights just how easily emerging viruses can spread across the globe, and how we must remain vigilant for both known and unforeseen threats.
Quick facts about hantaviruses:
Research at the Blumberg Institute primarily focuses on understanding the pathobiology of hepatitis B virus and related diseases. We’re also working on developing antiviral drugs and immune modulators to treat viral diseases.