Moderna Shares Rise Following Hantavirus Vaccine Research Announcement
A major pharmaceutical company experienced a significant surge in its stock price after revealing that it had been conducting research on a hantavirus vaccine. This development came amid growing concerns over a recent outbreak of the virus on the MV Hondius cruise ship.
According to reports from Bloomberg, Moderna has been exploring potential vaccines for hantavirus even before the outbreak occurred this month. The company’s shares rose by nearly 6% when markets opened on Monday, as reported by CNBC. A spokesperson for Moderna emphasized that the research is still in its early stages and reflects the company’s commitment to addressing emerging infectious diseases.
“Moderna has conducted preclinical research on hantaviruses in collaboration with the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), reflecting the ongoing regional impact of these pathogens,” the spokesperson told The Independent.
In addition, the company has partnered with the Vaccine Innovation Center at Korea University College of Medicine through its mRNA Access Program, which supports external research on viruses of concern before potential outbreaks occur.
Outbreak on MV Hondius Cruise Ship
The World Health Organization received reports of a respiratory illness outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship on May 2. The illness was later identified as the Andes variant of hantavirus. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that the overall risk to the American public and travelers remains extremely low, the outbreak has raised public concern.
At least seven confirmed cases have been linked to the outbreak on the ship, with at least three fatalities reported. Symptoms of hantavirus can take between four to 42 days to appear, and they often include fatigue, fever, and muscle aches. Headaches, dizziness, chills, and stomach problems are also common symptoms.
Approximately 38% of patients who develop respiratory symptoms may die from the disease, according to the CDC.
MV Hondius Docking and Passenger Evacuation
Over the weekend, the MV Hondius docked off the Spanish island of Tenerife. Nearly all passengers and crew have returned home, and the ship is expected to depart for the Netherlands on Monday evening, according to the New York Times.
The cruise ship was carrying 18 Americans, one of whom tested mildly positive for the Andes virus, as reported by the Department of Health and Human Services. A second American also began showing mild symptoms.
“The airlift will transport passengers to the ASPR Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Center (RESPTC) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center/Nebraska Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska before taking the passenger with mild symptoms to a second RESPTC at its final destination,” the agency said Sunday evening.
“Upon arrival at each facility, each individual will undergo clinical assessment and receive appropriate care and support based on their condition,” the agency’s statement continued.
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