Andes hantavirus outbreak spurs diagnostic development and WHO emergency consultation

An outbreak of the Andes strain of hantavirus linked to a cruise ship has resulted in 11 reported cases and three deaths as of May 12. The World Health Organization (WHO) is monitoring the situation, noting no immediate signs of a larger epidemic but warning that additional cases may appear.

Eurofins laboratories are creating new molecular and serological tests to detect the virus. In the United States, Eurofins Viracor is validating quantitative real‑time PCR and next‑generation sequencing (NGS) assays, using in‑vitro transcribed RNA for validation. The company is also developing a rapid ELISA for IgG and IgM antibodies. European sites are expanding capabilities: Eurofins Clinical Diagnostic Spain uses PCR‑based detection; Eurofins Biomnis in France partners with the national reference centre for screening; and Gold Standard Diagnostics in Germany offers two‑hour ELISA tests for both human and veterinary samples.

The WHO has convened an emergency scientific consultation to discuss medical countermeasures (MCM) research and development for Andes virus, underscoring the public‑health response to the outbreak.