90-Second Read: Researchers work to develop Hantavirus vaccine as cruise ship outbreak raises global alarm

Researchers in England, Texas, and South Africa are nearing clinical trials for a Hantavirus vaccine as the recent cruise ship outbreak fuels global urgency. There is no cure, but a growing body of research is focused on developing a vaccine, and the recent cruise ship outbreak has underscored just how urgent that work is. RELATED STORY | French Hantavirus patient critically ill, being treated with artificial lung A team of researchers in southwest England is working with scientists in Texas and South Africa to develop a vaccine for one strain of Hantavirus. Tens of thousands of people contract Hantavirus each year, and around 10% of them die.

We're looking at something like 1.5 million infants, so these are just children under five who are dying from vaccine-preventable diseases, in part because we cannot bring those vaccines to those children who need them. RELATED STORY | CDC leader rejects claims US is 'less safe' amid cruise ship Hantavirus cases Meanwhile, clinical trials are the next step in the long road to vaccination. The recent Hantavirus outbreak has drawn global attention to this research, and scientists are now hoping to convert that interest into increased funding as work continues.

Asel Sartbaeva, CEO of the biotech company EnsiliTech, said they are close to a breakthrouogh. We've done a lot of pre-clinical work, we've done laboratory work, we've done animal work. Many vaccines require refrigeration or freezing during transport and storage, a significant obstacle in regions without reliable power. They're also exploring the use of drones to deliver thermally stable vaccines to remote areas.