Experimental Favipiravir Treatment Made Available to EU as 2026 Andes-Virus Outbreak Spreads Across Multiple Countries

An experimental antiviral treatment, favipiravir, has been made available by Fujifilm Pharmaceuticals to EU member states to address the ongoing 2026 Andes-virus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship. The vessel, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, evacuated passengers starting May 10 after confirmed hantavirus cases emerged among travelers and crew. Confirmed cases have been identified in Spain and France, with one Spanish passenger testing positive weeks after isolation and a French patient experiencing critical cardiopulmonary complications. The ship underwent disinfection with chlorine and peroxide and is scheduled to resume operations in June with a Svalbard voyage. U.S. and international health officials have emphasized the virus is "not easy to spread" and the risk to the general population remains "low," though the WHO cautioned the situation could evolve. Over 40 individuals are under monitoring internationally.