Latest Health News
WHO tracks hantavirus outbreak linked to cruise ship travel
The World Health Organization says the Andes hantavirus outbreak tied to the M/V Hondius cruise ship has reached 13 cases and three deaths, with new cases reported from Canada, the Netherlands, and Spain. WHO says there is no specific antiviral treatment for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome and continues to advise strict containment and supportive care for exposed travelers and crew.
Phase 3 trials show bepirovirsen may achieve functional cure in chronic hepatitis B
Two phase 3 randomized trials reported that about 20% of patients with noncirrhotic chronic hepatitis B achieved a functional cure after treatment with bepirovirsen, compared with none in the placebo groups. The results, published in the New England Journal of Medicine and summarized by CIDRAP, suggest a finite treatment approach could become a major step forward for HBV care.
Ebola response and border screening continue in Uganda
The U.S. Embassy in Uganda says the response to Ebola includes enhanced health screening at regional points of entry, with the International Organization for Migration helping expand surveillance. The update reflects ongoing containment measures aimed at limiting cross-border spread and identifying suspected cases early.
FDA removes black box warning from six menopausal hormone therapies
Managed Healthcare Executive reports that the FDA has approved removal of the black box warning from six menopausal hormone therapies. The change is significant because black box warnings are the strongest safety alerts the FDA places on prescription drugs, and the decision may affect prescribing and patient access.
Global health agencies warn on hantavirus management protocols
WHO’s outbreak notice emphasizes that suspected or confirmed hantavirus cases should be isolated, with standard and transmission-based precautions used for patient care. The guidance also notes that severe cases may require ventilation, vasopressors, ECMO, or dialysis, underscoring the seriousness of infection in vulnerable patients.
Cruise-ship passengers and crew remain the focus of hantavirus contact tracing
WHO says all known cases in the current hantavirus event have been passengers or crew members aboard the affected ship. Authorities are maintaining a precautionary approach and advising people who were on board, or who had close contact with confirmed cases, to follow national health guidance.
No routine public activity changes advised in hantavirus outbreak
Despite the outbreak, WHO says it does not recommend changes to routine activities for the general public. The organization says guidance may be updated as more evidence becomes available, indicating that current measures are targeted rather than population-wide.
Severe hantavirus cases may require advanced critical care
WHO states that there is no approved specific antiviral treatment for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, and management is largely supportive. For severe disease, patients may need intensive care interventions such as mechanical ventilation and ECMO, which highlights the importance of early recognition and transfer.
Hepatitis B drug data add momentum to finite-therapy research
The bepirovirsen trial results suggest a possible shift away from indefinite antiviral therapy for some chronic hepatitis B patients. Researchers reported that the drug worked by lowering HBV RNA, inhibiting replication, and helping prime the immune system, which may reshape future treatment strategies if confirmed in broader use.
Health systems focus on outbreak containment and surveillance
Recent updates from WHO and regional authorities show a common pattern in current health security efforts: screening, isolation, and contact tracing. That approach is being used both for the hantavirus outbreak linked to cruise travel and for Ebola preparedness in East Africa.