Story perspectives

Bath team creates fridge-free hantavirus vaccine amid deadly outbreak

5/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

University of Bath scientists are advancing an mRNA vaccine for Hantaan hantavirus using ensilication that permits refrigeration-free transport after securing a 2024 UK government contract and research funding.
The antigen showed strong immunogenicity in lab and animal studies.
An Andes hantavirus outbreak on MV Hondius caused nine confirmed, two suspected cases and three deaths, prompting WHO director-general Tedros Ghebreyesus to warn more cases could appear but say risk stays low.

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Story summary

University of Bath scientists are advancing an mRNA vaccine for Hantaan hantavirus using ensilication that permits refrigeration-free transport after securing a 2024 UK government contract and research funding.
The antigen showed strong immunogenicity in lab and animal studies.
An Andes hantavirus outbreak on MV Hondius caused nine confirmed, two suspected cases and three deaths, prompting WHO director-general Tedros Ghebreyesus to warn more cases could appear but say risk stays low.