Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a “targeted PREP Act declaration” on Friday to support medical countermeasures for Andes virus, stating the pathogen “can cause the deadly respiratory illness Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome.”
The declaration aims to expedite research and response efforts amid ongoing monitoring of an outbreak linked to a South Atlantic cruise ship. Kennedy asserted HHS is taking the situation seriously and will continue protecting public health while advancing safe treatment development.
MAHA advocates criticized the announcement, noting the lack of clarity in HHS communications. Dr. Robert Malone emphasized: “Sec. Kennedy’s Press office needs to do a whole lot better… Why wasn’t it made clear that this PREP Act Declaration was limited in scope and focus to a specific antiviral drug?” He added: “Isn’t this what they are trained to do? A press office operating in 2026 should understand that an unexplained declaration doesn’t stay unexplained; the vacuum gets filled, and it gets filled by whatever is most shareable.”
Nicolas Hulscher, epidemiologist and administrator at the McCullough Foundation, clarified the declaration “ONLY covers favipiravir for 2 months — an antiviral shown to protect 100% of animals from lethal Andes virus infection. NO vaccines are covered.” He stated: “The PREP Act is unconstitutional and should be repealed.”
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) previously labeled the PREP Act as “medical malpractice martial law,” arguing it supersedes state tort laws and enables pharmaceutical and medical device companies to evade accountability.
In a prior video, Kennedy discussed how the COVID-19 response allegedly undermined constitutional protections, claiming authorities “systematically, in a single year, dismantled the entire Constitution of the United States.”
Kennedy responded to backlash by insisting: “Don’t believe Internet fearmongers. @HHSGov defends public health AND supports medical freedom — period.” He detailed that the HHS action does not pave the way for new mRNA vaccines, provide limitless liability protections for pharmaceutical companies, enable mandates, or apply beyond specific countermeasures. The declaration facilitates expanded access to favipiravir for individuals potentially exposed to Andes virus and remains limited to voluntary administration through July 18, 2026.