Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a “targeted PREP Act declaration” on Friday to support the development and deployment of medical countermeasures related to Andes virus.

RFK Jr. stated that Andes virus can cause the deadly respiratory illness Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. He added that the action helps remove barriers to research and response efforts while monitoring a recent outbreak linked to a South Atlantic cruise ship. “HHS is taking this situation seriously and will continue working to protect public health and support the safe development of potential treatments and countermeasures,” he said.

The declaration drew significant criticism from MAHA advocates, who argued that the HHS press office failed to clarify its scope. Dr. Robert Malone remarked: “Sec. Kennedy’s Press office needs to do a whole lot better. They could have saved themselves a whole lot of negative press by stating just what this declaration is and isn’t. Why wasn’t it made clear that this PREP Act Declaration was limited in scope and focus to a specific antiviral drug?”

Nicolas Hulscher, an epidemiologist and administrator at the McCullough Foundation, noted: “At first glance I thought Secretary Kennedy became fully compromised. Until I read the actual PREP Act declaration. It ONLY covers favipiravir for 2 months — an antiviral shown to protect 100% of animals from lethal Andes virus infection. NO vaccines are covered. Nonetheless, we all know the PREP Act is unconstitutional and should be repealed.”

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) previously described the PREP Act as “medical malpractice martial law” that supersedes state tort laws and enables pharmaceutical and medical device companies to evade liability.

In a video published earlier this month, RFK Jr. discussed how the COVID-19 response systematically dismantled constitutional rights. He stated: “They said that if it’s a company that is providing a countermeasure, no matter how negligent they were, no matter how reckless they were, no matter how egregious your injury, you can’t sue them. They systematically, in a single year, dismantled the entire Constitution of the United States.”

On Saturday, RFK Jr. responded to backlash: “Don’t believe Internet fearmongers. @HHSGov defends public health AND supports medical freedom — period.”

RFK Jr. clarified that the HHS action does not:
– Pave the way for a new mRNA vaccine
– Provide Big Pharma with new, limitless protections from liability
– Allow for mandates of ANY kind
– Apply to any other medical products

Instead, the declaration facilitates expanded access of favipiravir — and favipiravir ONLY — to treat hantavirus. It allows individuals possibly exposed to Andes virus to access this drug with only voluntary administration (no mandates) and provides protection for a very limited time through July 18, 2026.