The World Health Organization reports that additional hantavirus cases have been confirmed among passengers of the cruise ship MV Hondius, which departed from Ushuaia, Argentina. As of May 12, 11 cases, nine confirmed and two suspected, and three deaths have been reported. The CDC and ECDC have both issued health advisories.
WHO recommends active monitoring and quarantine of high-risk contacts for 42 days following last exposure, given that the Andes virus strain can potentially spread between humans. High-risk contacts include intimate partners, household members, and healthcare workers with unprotected exposure.
Also in health news, the May 2026 cover story of Scientific American, titled "Your Heart In Flames," presents new evidence that chronic inflammation may be the true cause of cardiovascular disease rather than cholesterol alone. The research suggests that inexpensive inflammation-reducing drugs like colchicine could offer new treatment approaches for heart conditions.
The NIH reports that stroke research continues to advance, with scientists looking for ways to help patients recover abilities like walking and talking after brain injury. Meanwhile, the FDA has expanded approval of Vyvgart to all adults with generalized myasthenia gravis, and oral orforglipron has shown effectiveness in older adults with obesity in recent trials.
Trump administration health policy moves include finalizing tariffs on select drugmakers and announcing reforms to accelerate access to psychedelic drug treatments. The administration also chose an establishment pick to head the CDC.