2026-06-08
Andes Hantavirus: The Next Virus to Watch Closely?
Infectiology
By Ana Espino | Published on June 08, 2026 | 4 min read
Long considered a rare infection confined to certain regions of South America, Andes hantavirus (ANDV) is now attracting increasing attention from the medical community. Like other hantaviruses, it is primarily transmitted through the inhalation of contaminated particles originating from the excreta of infected rodents. However, it possesses a particularly concerning feature: it is the only hantavirus for which person-to-person transmission has been clearly demonstrated.
Although infections remain uncommon, their consequences can be devastating. In its most severe forms, the virus causes hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS), a disease characterized by acute respiratory distress, shock, and multiple organ failure. Despite advances in intensive care medicine, no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine is currently available.
The recent outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius, involving travelers from 23 different countries, highlighted how even a pathogen with limited transmissibility can rapidly cross borders in an era of global travel. In response, Italian researchers conducted an updated review of the available evidence on Andes hantavirus to better understand its epidemic potential and the challenges it poses to clinicians.
The authors reviewed the latest data on the epidemiology, transmission routes, clinical manifestations, and management of Andes hantavirus infection.
The review confirms that the virus is primarily carried by a rodent species found in Argentina and Chile. Infection generally occurs through the inhalation of dust contaminated with viral particles from the urine or feces of infected animals. However, unlike other hantaviruses, ANDV can also spread between humans following close and prolonged contact with a symptomatic individual.
After an incubation period that can last up to 40 days, the infection often begins with nonspecific symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, and gastrointestinal disturbances. This initial phase may rapidly progress to severe pulmonary involvement associated with acute respiratory failure, marked hypotension, and potentially fatal shock.
The researchers also identified several biological markers associated with severe disease. Elevated white blood cell counts, pronounced neutrophilia, reduced lymphocyte and platelet counts, and increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels are frequently observed in the most critically ill patients. These abnormalities reflect an excessive inflammatory response that may evolve into a true cytokine storm.
The reviewed data also underscore the seriousness of the disease. During a major outbreak in Argentina between 2018 and 2019, nearly one-third of infected patients died, often within less than a week after the onset of symptoms.
Read next : Hantavirus: Why Does This Rare Virus Continue to Concern Intensive Care Specialists?
This review confirms that Andes hantavirus remains a rare but potentially severe infectious threat. Its most significant challenge lies in its unusual ability to spread from person to person, a characteristic that is exceptional among known hantaviruses.
In the absence of a validated antiviral therapy or an available vaccine, management relies primarily on intensive supportive care, including oxygen therapy, respiratory support, hemodynamic stabilization, and, in the most severe cases, renal replacement therapy.
The authors also emphasize several gaps in current knowledge. Available evidence comes mainly from localized outbreaks, and the total number of studied cases remains relatively small. Important questions remain regarding the precise mechanisms of transmission, the factors underlying severe disease, and the development of targeted therapeutic strategies.
Looking ahead, the development of vaccines, specific antiviral treatments, and enhanced surveillance systems could improve the management of future outbreaks. Above all, the MV Hondius episode serves as a reminder that in an increasingly interconnected world, even pathogens considered rare can quickly become an international public health concern.
Read next : How can hantaviruses be stopped?
Long considered a rare infection confined to certain regions of South America, Andes hantavirus (ANDV) is now attracting increasing attention from the medical community. Like other hantaviruses, it is primarily transmitted through the inhalation of contaminated particles originating from the excreta of infected rodents. However, it possesses a particularly concerning feature: it is the only hantavirus for which person-to-person transmission has been clearly demonstrated.
Although infections remain uncommon, their consequences can be devastating. In its most severe forms, the virus causes hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS), a disease characterized by acute respiratory distress, shock, and multiple organ failure. Despite advances in intensive care medicine, no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine is currently available.
The recent outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius, involving travelers from 23 different countries, highlighted how even a pathogen with limited transmissibility can rapidly cross borders in an era of global travel. In response, Italian researchers conducted an updated review of the available evidence on Andes hantavirus to better understand its epidemic potential and the challenges it poses to clinicians.
Behind the Scenes of a Virus Capable of Spreading from Animals to Humans... and Then Between Humans
The authors reviewed the latest data on the epidemiology, transmission routes, clinical manifestations, and management of Andes hantavirus infection.
The review confirms that the virus is primarily carried by a rodent species found in Argentina and Chile. Infection generally occurs through the inhalation of dust contaminated with viral particles from the urine or feces of infected animals. However, unlike other hantaviruses, ANDV can also spread between humans following close and prolonged contact with a symptomatic individual.
After an incubation period that can last up to 40 days, the infection often begins with nonspecific symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, and gastrointestinal disturbances. This initial phase may rapidly progress to severe pulmonary involvement associated with acute respiratory failure, marked hypotension, and potentially fatal shock.
The researchers also identified several biological markers associated with severe disease. Elevated white blood cell counts, pronounced neutrophilia, reduced lymphocyte and platelet counts, and increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels are frequently observed in the most critically ill patients. These abnormalities reflect an excessive inflammatory response that may evolve into a true cytokine storm.
The reviewed data also underscore the seriousness of the disease. During a major outbreak in Argentina between 2018 and 2019, nearly one-third of infected patients died, often within less than a week after the onset of symptoms.
Read next : Hantavirus: Why Does This Rare Virus Continue to Concern Intensive Care Specialists?
What If Prevention Remains the Best Weapon?
This review confirms that Andes hantavirus remains a rare but potentially severe infectious threat. Its most significant challenge lies in its unusual ability to spread from person to person, a characteristic that is exceptional among known hantaviruses.
In the absence of a validated antiviral therapy or an available vaccine, management relies primarily on intensive supportive care, including oxygen therapy, respiratory support, hemodynamic stabilization, and, in the most severe cases, renal replacement therapy.
The authors also emphasize several gaps in current knowledge. Available evidence comes mainly from localized outbreaks, and the total number of studied cases remains relatively small. Important questions remain regarding the precise mechanisms of transmission, the factors underlying severe disease, and the development of targeted therapeutic strategies.
Looking ahead, the development of vaccines, specific antiviral treatments, and enhanced surveillance systems could improve the management of future outbreaks. Above all, the MV Hondius episode serves as a reminder that in an increasingly interconnected world, even pathogens considered rare can quickly become an international public health concern.
Read next : How can hantaviruses be stopped?
About the author – Ana Espino
PhD in Immunology, specialized in Virology
As a scientific writer, Ana is passionate about bridging the gap between research and real-world impact. With expertise in immunology, virology, oncology, and clinical studies, she makes complex science clear and accessible. Her mission: to accelerate knowledge sharing and empower evidence-based decisions.
PhD in Immunology, specialized in Virology
As a scientific writer, Ana is passionate about bridging the gap between research and real-world impact. With expertise in immunology, virology, oncology, and clinical studies, she makes complex science clear and accessible. Her mission: to accelerate knowledge sharing and empower evidence-based decisions.
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