The has begun emergency distribution of an experimental antiviral treatment to France, Spain and the Netherlands as health authorities respond to a growing outbreak of linked to a cruise ship.
European officials said initial consignments of are being delivered following urgent requests from affected countries.
The drug is currently being deployed under emergency and compassionate-use arrangements.
The reportedly identified favipiravir as the most suitable potential treatment available at this time, given that no specific approved therapy exists for hantavirus infections.
Japanese pharmaceutical firm has donated 1,400 tablets of the antiviral medicine to support the ongoing emergency response, while the European Union has also begun accelerated procurement to secure additional supplies.
Health authorities confirmed 13 cases of hantavirus infection linked to a cruise ship believed to be the source of the outbreak.
Patients are currently being treated in France, Spain and the Netherlands, while additional infections have been reported in Switzerland, the United States and South Africa.
The estimated that up to 100,000 hantavirus infections occur globally each year.
Although human-to-human transmission is rare, certain strains can cause severe respiratory and kidney complications.
Officials confirmed that three people have died since the outbreak began, raising concern among health authorities across Europe and beyond.
Hantaviruses are typically spread through contact with infected rodents and can lead to life-threatening illness in severe cases.
European and national health agencies say monitoring and investigation efforts are ongoing as they work to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread in affected regions.
