Texas Doctor Promotes Ivermectin for Hantavirus as Cruise Ship Outbreak Emerges

Dr. Mary Bowden, a Houston physician known for COVID-era ivermectin advocacy, is now selling the antiparasitic drug directly to Texans, claiming it should treat hantavirus based on its purported ability to block RNA virus replication. The announcement follows a cruise ship hantavirus outbreak that affected two Texas residents. Bowden states her effort is independent of hantavirus concerns and tied to recent Texas legislation (HB 25) permitting pharmacy dispensing without prescription. Public health experts and the FDA have rejected her hantavirus claims. Bowden remains embroiled in a Texas Medical Board disciplinary case; the state attorney general's office supports her position as a matter of health freedom. The sale reflects broader controversy around off-label drug use and regulatory oversight in Texas.