Arizona cases of the same virus that killed Gene Hackman's wife were fatal in 2025
The two positive cases of Hantavirus in Arizona for 2025 have been fatal, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services.
These fatalities follow four Hantavirus-related deaths in Arizona in 2024 and come just days after the death of Betsy Arakawa in New Mexico, the pianist and wife of actor Gene Hackman, who passed away from the virus shortly before her husband.
"Although contracting the virus is rare, 38% of cases are fatal," ADHS spokesperson Magda Rodriguez said.
In addition to the 2025 infection data, the health department provided The Arizona Republic updated figures on positive 2024 Hantavirus cases.
Hantavirus causes a potentially fatal illness known as Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, which can lead to fever, muscle aches, and difficulty breathing.
The ADHS reports that Arizona had 11 confirmed cases of Hantavirus in 2024, five of which were fatal.
Most of the cases were in northern Arizona, with five in Apache County, three in Coconino County, two in Navajo County, and one in Pima County.
Seven of the cases were residents of the Navajo Nation, where the most common strain of the virus first emerged and led to a historic outbreak in 1993.
Hantavirus is typically spread by wild rodents like the deer mouse, though the virus is not exclusively transmitted by these animals, according to ADHS.
Despite recent headlines, the health department reassures that "Hantavirus is a rare disease."
Since 1990, the reported cases per 100,000 Arizonans have remained between 0% and 0.2%.
However, the virus is not confined to one area and can be found throughout the Southwest.
Hantavirus is usually spread from rodents through viral droplets agitated from stirring up material contaminated with rodent urine, saliva or feces, according ADHS.
"Most Hantavirus exposure is due to residential rodent infestation. Additionally, people can be exposed when entering unused buildings, and coming in contact with rodent burrows outdoors," said the spokesperson.
The virus is not spread from person to person.
ADHS stated that there is no vaccine for Hantavirus, and treatment only involves supportive care for symptoms, which can appear 1-8 weeks after exposure.
A positive infection leading to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome may cause symptoms such as fatigue, fever, muscle aches, dizziness, chills, diarrhea, vomiting, cough, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing, according to ADHS.
ADHS provided the public the following tips to prevent the spread of Hantavirus and a possible case of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome.
Reduce rodent habitats around the home, work, and recreational environments. Remove brush, rock piles, firewood, and possible food sources.
Eliminate or minimize contact with rodents in the home by sealing holes and gaps in homes or garages, placing traps in and around homes, and cleaning up any easy-to-get food.
If you suspect rodent activity in/around your home:
Avoid actions that raise dust, such as sweeping or vacuuming and take precaution when cleaning areas where rodents may be present
Before cleaning an area suspected of contamination, open all doors and windows. Ventilate the space by airing it out for 30 minutes and leave the area during this time.
Use a 10% bleach solution and spray down areas where rodent/mouse droppings or nests are found and allow the solution to soak for at least 15 minutes to kill the virus.
After disinfecting, wear rubber gloves and a mask to clean up the droppings with disposable materials such as paper towels or rags.
Contact public health officials and seek medical care if you are experiencing signs of Hantavirus after possible exposure to areas with rodents or rodent droppings.
Reach reporter Rey Covarrubias Jr. at rcovarrubias@gannett.com. Follow him on X, Threads and Bluesky @ReyCJrAZ.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Hantavirus cases in Arizona in 2025 have, to date, all been deadly
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Miami Herald
a day ago
- Miami Herald
Some Johns Hopkins, UMD research stopped after Trump cuts. Others are scrambling to resume
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"The disruptions that are happening are really catastrophic." Over the past several weeks, 17 NIH awards have been terminated or had an unclear status, including two training awards supporting doctoral-level researchers, Walson said. "We're not getting a lot of communication, so it's a little bit hard to say exactly what the status of some of these awards are," he said. The National Institutes of Health didn't respond to questions about funding cuts to Maryland research institutions. In a lawsuit challenging NIH research cuts, lawyers for the federal government wrote in a recent court filing that its terminations of grants for DEI-related studies were "sufficiently reasoned," and that the NIH has "broad discretion" to decide what grants to provide. Johns Hopkins is a plaintiff in two lawsuits involving caps on reimbursement of indirect costs for research - one challenging the NIH and the other against the Department of Defense. The latter suit also lists the University of Maryland, College Park, as a plaintiff. Both schools have also filed a brief in support of a lawsuit filed by Harvard University against the Trump administration's funding cuts. New grant terminations have been arriving "nearly every week," Johns Hopkins University said in a recent update published on its website. There's also been a nearly two-thirds decrease in new awards compared with last year, the university said. Johns Hopkins atmosphere and ocean sciences researcher Darryn Waugh was disappointed upon receiving notice that his NASA grant to study air pollution in Baltimore was canceled by the Trump administration. The termination came as a result of President Donald Trump's executive order, "Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing." "It wasn't clear to me that this actually falls under this diversity, equity, inclusion," Waugh said. 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"I think under the DEI umbrella, a lot of times, the government will refer to it as just one racial ethnic group," he said. "We've worked in different geographies, in different racial and ethnic populations, but what's cool about what we do is it really does apply to all patients in all populations." Mullins said his research group has additional funding from other agencies and is writing new proposals. Walson said social determinants of health - involving factors like poverty and other "inequities" - are "foundational to our understanding of health." "So the idea that we would not be able to pursue work that focuses on identifying and managing those particular issues, which are the underlying, core issues at the heart of health issues, is really challenging," Walson said. The Trump administration's cuts have had an ieffect across the world. 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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccines Strategic Business Research Report 2024-2025 & 2030 - Rising Global Awareness of HPV-Linked Cervical and Oropharyngeal Cancers Drives Preventive Vaccination Uptake
The global Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccines market, valued at USD 5.5 billion in 2024, is anticipated to grow to USD 9.7 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 9.9%. This report offers comprehensive analysis of market trends and growth drivers, providing vital insights for businesses. Key highlights include the evolution of vaccine formulations, such as nonavalent vaccines targeting multiple HPV strains, which are crucial in preventing HPV-related cancers globally. Strategic vaccination programs and improved distribution strategies are driving market expansion, particularly in emerging economies. Despite barriers like misinformation and hesitancy, increased public awareness and partnerships with organizations like Gavi are expected to enhance uptake, especially in high-burden regions. The report also assesses the impact of global tariff developments on the HPV vaccines market. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccines Market Dublin, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccines - Global Strategic Business Report" report has been added to global market for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccines was estimated at US$5.5 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$9.7 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 9.9% from 2024 to 2030. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, drivers, and forecasts, helping you make informed business decisions. The report includes the most recent global tariff developments and how they impact the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccines market. Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines play a central role in the prevention of HPV-related cancers, including cervical, oropharyngeal, anal, and genital cancers. With over 200 types of HPV identified and high-risk strains such as HPV-16 and HPV-18 accounting for the majority of cervical cancer cases, widespread immunization is viewed as a cornerstone of global cancer prevention strategies. These vaccines stimulate the immune system to develop antibodies against targeted viral strains, offering long-term protection against persistent infections and precancerous lesions. The Growth in the HPV Vaccines Market Is Driven by Several is driven by increasing global efforts to prevent HPV-related cancers, expansion of immunization programs, and the availability of broad-spectrum vaccine formulations. Rising public health investment in women's health and cancer prevention, along with WHO's cervical cancer elimination strategy, is catalyzing demand. The inclusion of boys in vaccination programs and growing incidence of HPV-linked head and neck cancers are further expanding the addressable progress in vaccine efficacy, long-term protection data, and potential single-dose regimens is supporting broader implementation. Additionally, partnerships between governments, vaccine developers, and health organizations are enhancing procurement, education, and infrastructure especially in emerging markets. Digital health platforms and mHealth campaigns are also improving outreach and record tracking, increasing vaccine uptake. Collectively, these trends are reinforcing HPV vaccines as a critical tool in global disease prevention and a dynamic segment within the broader vaccines Are Vaccine Formulations and Distribution Strategies Evolving?HPV vaccines have progressed from bivalent formulations (targeting HPV-16 and 18) to quadrivalent (adding protection against HPV-6 and 11) and now to nonavalent vaccines, which protect against nine HPV strains, including those responsible for up to 90% of cervical cancers. These broader-spectrum vaccines offer greater coverage and are expected to dominate future procurement and immunization programs. Continuous innovation in recombinant vaccine production and adjuvant systems is enhancing immune response and duration of is being optimized through school-based vaccination programs, gender-neutral campaigns, and integration with national childhood immunization schedules. Advances in cold-chain infrastructure, coupled with partnerships between governments, NGOs, and vaccine manufacturers, are improving access in low- and middle-income countries. Single-dose regimens are also under investigation as a cost-effective and logistically simpler alternative, with promising results that may reshape vaccination protocol and broaden global Is Uptake Increasing and What Barriers Remain?Vaccination uptake is rising in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia-Pacific where public awareness, healthcare infrastructure, and policy support are strong. Gender-neutral vaccination strategies are gaining traction, particularly in countries prioritizing the prevention of head and neck cancers linked to HPV in males. Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa, despite high HPV burden, still face challenges including supply limitations, healthcare access gaps, and cultural include misinformation, vaccine hesitancy, and inconsistent public health messaging, particularly in conservative or resource-constrained regions. Limited adult vaccination programs and affordability issues also hamper broader market penetration. However, partnerships with organizations such as Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, are actively addressing supply inequities and financial barriers through tiered pricing and donor-funded initiatives. As these issues are mitigated, market growth is expected to accelerate, particularly in high-burden Insights: Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the Tetravalent segment, which is expected to reach US$5.8 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of a 9.5%. The Nonavalent segment is also set to grow at 11.3% CAGR over the analysis period. Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, valued at $1.5 Billion in 2024, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 13.4% CAGR to reach $2.0 Billion by 2030. Discover growth trends in other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific. Report Features: Comprehensive Market Data: Independent analysis of annual sales and market forecasts in US$ Million from 2024 to 2030. In-Depth Regional Analysis: Detailed insights into key markets, including the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa. Company Profiles: Coverage of players such as Barinthus Biotherapeutics, Bharat Biotech, BioNTech SE, CanSino Biologics Inc., and more. Complimentary Updates: Receive free report updates for one year to keep you informed of the latest market developments. This edition integrates the latest global trade and economic shifts as of June 2025 into comprehensive market analysis. Key updates include: Tariff and Trade Impact: Insights into global tariff negotiations across 180+ countries, with analysis of supply chain turbulence, sourcing disruptions, and geographic realignment. Special focus on 2025 as a pivotal year for trade tensions, including updated perspectives on the Trump-era tariffs. Adjusted Forecasts and Analytics: Revised global and regional market forecasts through 2030, incorporating tariff effects, economic uncertainty, and structural changes in globalization. Includes segmentation by product, technology, type, material, distribution channel, application, and end-use, with historical analysis since 2015. Strategic Market Dynamics: Evaluation of revised market prospects, regional outlooks, and key economic indicators such as population and urbanization trends. Innovation & Technology Trends: Latest developments in product and process innovation, emerging technologies, and key industry drivers shaping the competitive landscape. Competitive Intelligence: Updated global market share estimates for 2025, competitive positioning of major players (Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial), and refined focus on leading global brands and core players. Expert Insight & Commentary: Strategic analysis from economists, trade experts, and domain specialists to contextualize market shifts and identify emerging opportunities. Complimentary Update: Buyers receive a free July 2025 update with finalized tariff impacts, new trade agreement effects, revised projections, and expanded country-level coverage. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 279 Forecast Period 2024 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $5.5 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $9.7 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 9.9% Regions Covered Global MARKET OVERVIEW Influencer Market Insights World Market Trajectories Tariff Impact on Global Supply Chain Patterns Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccines - Global Key Competitors Percentage Market Share in 2025 (E) Competitive Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial for Players Worldwide in 2025 (E) MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS Rising Global Awareness of HPV-Linked Cervical and Oropharyngeal Cancers Drives Preventive Vaccination Uptake Inclusion of HPV Vaccines in National Immunization Programs Expands Coverage Across Adolescents and Young Adults WHO and GAVI Support for HPV Vaccine Rollout in Low-Income Countries Strengthens Public Health Impact Expansion of Gender-Neutral Vaccination Policies Fuels Demand Across Male and Female Populations Technological Advancements in Vaccine Formulations Improve Long-Term Efficacy and Broaden Strain Coverage Increased School-Based Immunization Drives High Compliance Rates in Developed and Emerging Regions Public-Private Partnerships and Awareness Campaigns Boost Community-Level Vaccine Acceptance Improved Cold Chain Infrastructure and Global Procurement Facilitate Distribution to Remote Areas Rising Incidence of HPV-Associated Head and Neck Cancers Spurs Broader Advocacy for Adult Vaccination Growing Market Entry of Biosimilar and Region-Specific HPV Vaccines Enhances Accessibility and Affordability FOCUS ON SELECT PLAYERS Barinthus Biotherapeutics Bharat Biotech BioNTech SE CanSino Biologics Inc. GlaxoSmithKline plc Inovio Pharmaceuticals Johnson & Johnson Merck & Co., Inc. Moderna, Inc. Novavax, Inc. Pfizer Inc. Sanofi S.A. Serum Institute of India Sinovac Biotech Ltd. Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Valneva SE Vaxart, Inc. Walvax Biotechnology Co., Ltd. Wantai BioPharm Xiamen Innovax Biotech Co., Ltd. For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccines Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900
CNBC
5 days ago
- CNBC
FDA approves Gilead's twice-yearly HIV prevention injection, offering a powerful and convenient new option
The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday approved Gilead's twice-yearly antiviral injection for preventing HIV – a milestone that the company and some experts say could help bring the world closer to ending the decades-long epidemic caused by the virus. But the launch of the injectable drug, lenacapavir, faces a set of potential threats, including the Trump administration's proposed cuts to federal funding for HIV prevention efforts. In two groundbreaking clinical trials last year, Gilead's injection proved to be capable of virtually eliminating new HIV infections when taken every six months. Patients take it less frequently than all existing HIV prevention medications, including daily pills from Gilead and another injection from GSK received every other month. That makes lenacapavir a valuable and far more convenient tool for addressing an epidemic that led to around 1.3 million new infections and contributed to the deaths of 630,000 people globally in 2023, according to the World Health Organization. The U.S. alone sees 700 new cases and 100 HIV-related deaths each week, Gilead CEO Daniel O'Day said in an interview ahead of the approval. HIV continues to have a disproportionate impact on people of color, gay and bisexual men, other men who have sex with men and transgender women. "It's hard to overstate the importance of this for global public health," O'Day said, adding that the injection "really will bend the arc of the epidemic as we roll this out across the globe." But the magnitude of its impact will also depend on how easy it is to get, said Jeremiah Johnson, executive director of PrEP4All, an organization focused on expanding access to HIV prevention medications. Lenacapavir is already approved for treating HIV under the brand name Sunlenca, which has a price tag of more than $42,200 per year. One analysis in 2024 found that the drug could be made for as little as $26 to $40 a year. Gilead did not immediately share how much the injection will cost under its new use: pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, which reduces the risk of getting HIV. Mizuho analysts have estimated that lenacapavir could reach peak sales of around $4 billion globally for both HIV prevention and treatment. In a statement ahead of the approval, Gilead said the pricing of lenacapavir for HIV prevention will be in line with existing branded PrEP options. A month's supply of Truvada and Descovy, Gilead's daily pills for PreP, are both around $2,000 without insurance. One dose of GSK's Apretude, which is taken once monthly for the first two months and then once every other month thereafter, costs roughly $4,000 before insurance. The company is also committed to supplying the drug for that use globally as the virus "knows no boundaries," O'Day said. Gilead in October granted licenses to six generic manufacturers to produce and sell lower-cost versions of the injection in 120 low- and lower-middle-income countries. Gilead also promised to supply doses for up to 2 million people at no profit before those generic versions come to the market, O'Day said. PrEP has been available for a decade in the form of daily pills, but infections have climbed or remained roughly flat in many areas. Pills can be difficult for many people to take consistently for several reasons, including inconvenience and stigma around HIV and PrEP in many communities, particularly outside the demographic of white men who have sex with men. Black Americans account for 39% of new HIV diagnoses but only 14% of PrEP users, while Hispanic people represent 31% of new diagnoses but just 18% of PrEP users, according to AIDSVu. "Unfortunately, there's still enormous amount of stigma and cultural challenges when it comes to HIV prevention," Johanna Mercier, Gilead's chief commercial officer, said in an interview. "Getting a twice-a-year injection really gives you that privacy that people have been looking for." She said Gilead aims to ensure that more people, especially those not currently using PrEP, are aware of that convenience advantage and efficacy of the company's injection. In one late-stage trial, 99.9% of patients who took Gilead's injection did not contract an infection. There were only two cases among more than 2,000 patients, effectively reducing the risk of HIV infection by 96% and proving 89% more effective than Gilead's daily pill Truvada. The study enrolled cisgender men, transgender women, transgender men and gender nonbinary individuals who have sex with partners assigned male at birth. Another trial on cisgender women found that none of the participants who received Gilead's injection contracted an HIV infection, demonstrating 100% efficacy. In the U.S., ensuring access to underserved populations will also require broad insurance coverage. While most PrEP users are under commercial plans, the federal Medicaid program is also crucial to reaching lower-income communities. Medicaid is the largest source of insurance coverage for people who have the virus in the U.S., covering an estimated 40% of nonelderly adults with HIV, according to health policy research organization KFF. That makes Republicans' proposed funding cuts to Medicaid a huge potential threat to HIV treatment and prevention access. Mercier said, as of now, Gilead believes that Medicaid will continue to cover HIV services and support. "There are pretty incredible programs out there, not only Medicaid and other government programs, that really have safety nets to make sure that people who need or want access, both for HIV treatment and prevention, are set up," she said, also pointing to Gilead's programs for uninsured individuals. But PrEP4All's Johnson said the "entire foundation for HIV prevention in America is under attack at this moment." Other proposed federal funding cuts could make it harder to get Gilead's injection into the hands of physicians and patients, Johnson said. For example, the White House's proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 includes deep cuts to several HIV prevention programs, particularly those run through the CDC. While some funding streams are continuing, Johnson said they are doing so "in a way that would completely destabilize the entire field of HIV prevention." He said if Congress does not push back on the proposed cuts, people currently taking PrEP "could start to slip off" and HIV infections could rise in many communities.
