Virus profile
Hantavirus
The current outbreak involves the Andes orthohantavirus (ANDV) — the only hantavirus known to spread from person to person, causing hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) with a high fatality rate.
About the virus
The Andes virus (ANDV) is a hantavirus first identified in Argentina in 1995. Unlike other hantaviruses, ANDV can transmit directly between humans through close contact, respiratory droplets and bodily fluids — making it uniquely dangerous. It causes hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), which progresses rapidly from flu-like symptoms to severe respiratory failure. The case fatality rate can exceed 30–40%.
Transmission
ANDV spreads through two main routes: (1) contact with infected rodents — breathing aerosolized urine, droppings or saliva, or through bites; and (2) person-to-person transmission via close contact, which is unique among hantaviruses. Human-to-human spread has been documented in household clusters and healthcare settings. This makes containment and contact tracing critical.
Symptoms
- • Early: fever, fatigue, muscle aches (especially thighs, hips, back, shoulders)
- • Headaches, dizziness, chills, abdominal discomfort
- • HPS: 4–10 days later, coughing and severe shortness of breath
- • HFRS: intense headaches, back/abdominal pain, blurred vision, low blood pressure, kidney failure
Source: U.S. CDC, WHO. Always consult a healthcare professional.
Prevention
- • Seal holes and gaps where rodents could enter
- • Store food (including pet food) in rodent-proof containers
- • Ventilate enclosed spaces before cleaning
- • Wet down droppings and nesting materials with disinfectant before removal
- • Avoid stirring up dust by sweeping or vacuuming droppings
Frequently asked questions
- What is hantavirus?
- Hantaviruses are a family of viruses spread mainly by rodents that can cause varied disease syndromes in people, including hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS).
- How is hantavirus transmitted?
- People typically become infected by breathing in air contaminated with rodent urine, droppings or saliva. Person-to-person transmission is rare for most hantaviruses.
- What are the symptoms?
- Early symptoms can include fever, fatigue, and muscle aches, often followed by headaches, dizziness, chills and gastrointestinal problems. HPS can progress to severe respiratory difficulty.
- How can hantavirus be prevented?
- Reducing contact with rodents and their droppings is the primary prevention method: seal entry points, store food securely, and ventilate and disinfect enclosed spaces before cleaning.
- Is there a treatment or vaccine?
- There is no specific treatment or widely available vaccine for most hantavirus infections. Early supportive medical care improves outcomes; consult your local public-health authority for current guidance.
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