About Andes Virus

For Everyone

Key points

  • Andes virus is a type of hantavirus that can cause a severe respiratory disease in people, called Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS).
  • The virus can spread through contact with rodents, by touching an object with the virus on it, or, rarely, through contact with a sick person who has the virus.
  • Early symptoms can look like flu.
  • If you think you had contact with a person with Andes virus and are experiencing symptoms, contact a medical professional immediately.

Overview

Andes virus is a type of hantavirus spread by rodents in South America and, less commonly, by other infected people. The rodents that carry Andes virus have not been found in the United States. It can cause a severe respiratory disease in people, called Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). Andes virus is the only type of hantavirus that is known to spread person-to-person. This spread is usually limited to people who have close contact with a sick person. This includes direct physical contact, prolonged time spent in close or enclosed spaces, and exposure to the sick person's body fluids.

For Health Care Providers Clinician Brief: Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)

Signs and symptoms

Andes virus

Early symptoms can look like flu and include:

  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Muscle ache/back pain
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Cough
  • Chest pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Difficulty breathing

Typically, people are only infectious while they have symptoms.

Timing

4-42 days
Signs and symptoms of infection appear 4 to 42 days after exposure.

How it spreads

Andes virus can spread:

  • through contact with infected rodents or their urine, saliva, or feces
  • by touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes
  • through close contact with a person who is sick with Andes virus

Reducing risk

Avoid areas infested with rodents while visiting countries in South America.

Avoid spread between people by:

  • Washing hands frequently
  • Avoiding kissing and sexual contact with someone who may have Andes virus
  • Avoid sharing drinks, cigarettes, hookah, and vapes with someone who may have Andes virus
  • Avoid sharing eating utensils or eating food from the same plate or bowl as someone who may have Andes virus
  • Maintaining distance from someone who may have Andes virus

Treatment

When immediate care is needed

If you may have had contact with a person with Andes virus and are experiencing symptoms, contact a medical professional immediately.

There is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for Andes virus currently available. Symptoms may develop rapidly. Early medical care is critical with care centered on managing symptoms.

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Content Source:
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)