Atlanta, Georgia — Public debate over ivermectin has resurfaced following reports of a rare Andes hantavirus outbreak linked to international travelers, as some conservative commentators and political figures promote the drug despite infectious disease experts saying there is no evidence it treats hantavirus infections.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and several prominent ivermectin advocates posted on social media this week suggesting ivermectin, vitamin D, and zinc could help prevent or treat the virus. Greene also criticized research involving mRNA vaccine development for hantavirus while alleging pharmaceutical companies manipulate viruses for profit.
Medical experts interviewed by The Intercept strongly disputed the claims. Dr. Amesh Adalja of the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security said there is “no meaningful clinical evidence” supporting ivermectin as a treatment for hantavirus. Columbia University microbiologist Vincent Racaniello similarly stated there is “zero evidence” the drug works against hantaviruses.
The Andes hantavirus, primarily found in South America, can cause severe respiratory illness and has limited person-to-person transmission capability unlike most hantavirus strains. Health officials are investigating a recent outbreak linked to an expedition cruise ship traveling between Argentina, Antarctica, and South Africa.
The renewed ivermectin debate has resurrected public distrust of health institutions following the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts said confusion surrounding pandemic-era guidance continues influencing how Americans respond to emerging disease outbreaks and medical claims circulating online.
Federal health agencies have not announced any recommendation supporting ivermectin use for hantavirus infections.
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