Andes virus is a type of hantavirus that is found in rodents in South America. People can become ill with Andes virus if they come in contact with infected rodents or their droppings while in South America, or less commonly if they have close contact with a person who is ill with Andes virus infection. Rodents in the United States do not carry Andes virus. Other hantaviruses, such as Sin Nombre virus and Seoul virus, have been reported in rodents in the United States.

Andes virus is carried by wild rodents that live in South America, primarily Argentina and Chile. People can get Andes virus infection when they are exposed to infected rodents. The rodents that carry Andes virus have not been found in the United States. Rodents that are infected with hantaviruses like Andes virus do not appear ill, so there is no way to tell whether a rodent has the virus.

Andes virus is the only hantavirus known to spread between people. Being in direct contact with an ill patient or their body fluids (such as blood, saliva, urine, or semen), or spending a prolonged period of time (>1 hour) in close proximity to an ill person are ways that a person may become infected.

People may become exposed to Andes virus by:

• Breathing in the virus. This may happen when rodent urine and droppings containing hantavirus are stirred up into the air.
• Touching eyes, nose, or mouth after touching infected rodent droppings, urine, or nesting materials that contain the virus.
• Being bitten by an infected rodent
• In rare cases, through direct and close contact with an infected person.

Early symptoms can look similar to the flu, and may include:

• Headache
• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Signs and symptoms of Andes virus infection can appear as early as 4 days or as long as 6 weeks after exposure to Andes virus. However, people are typically only infectious while they have symptoms.

Like other hantaviruses, Andes virus infection can lead to a severe, fatal respiratory disease in people, called Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). Four to 10 days after the initial symptoms begin, the respiratory symptoms of HPS can appear. These include coughing, shortness of breath, and fluid in the lungs. These may develop rapidly, and so it is important to seek healthcare immediately.

Anyone experiencing symptoms of hantavirus infection who have had direct and close contact with South American rodents or their droppings, or close contact with an ill person infected with Andes virus should see their physician immediately. Infection is diagnosed by testing the patient’s blood to look for the genetic material of Andes virus or for antibodies to Andes virus.

There is no specific treatment, cure, or vaccine for HPS. However, patients can receive supportive care in the hospital to help with Andes virus symptoms.

Those whose infections are recognized early and who get care in an intensive care unit may do better. In intensive care, patients with severe difficulty breathing may be intubated and given oxygen to help them through the period of severe respiratory distress. The earlier the patient is brought in to intensive care, the better.

People visiting South America should avoid areas that are infested with rodents or where they see signs of rodent infestation (droppings, etc). If possible, disinfect areas that have signs of rodents. Person-to-person transmission of Andes virus is best prevented by frequent hand-washing, avoiding kissing and sexual intercourse with an ill Andes virus patient, and avoiding sharing a close physical environment for prolonged periods of time with an ill Andes virus patient.

What is Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (also known as HPS)?

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is a serious, often deadly, respiratory disease that has been found mostly in rural areas of the western United States. The disease is caused by a hantavirus that is carried by rodents and passed on to humans through infected rodent urine, saliva, or droppings. To date, no cases of HPS have been reported in the United States in which the virus was transmitted from one person to another.

The deer mouse is the primary carrier of the virus that causes Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. This rodent and other related species are found throughout the United States. Since the types of mice that carry hantavirus are difficult to identify, all wild rodents should be considered potentially infectious and should be avoided.

Should tourists, campers, and hikers worry about hantavirus infection?

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is a rare disease, and most tourists are not at increased risk for hantavirus infection. However, visitors to rural areas and nature resorts
— campers, hikers, and others who take part in activities outdoors — can become exposed to rodent urine, saliva, or droppings and become infected with hantavirus. You can also become infected by touching your mouth or nose after handling contaminated materials. A rodent’s bite can also spread the virus.

What are the symptoms of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, and how long after infection do they appear?

Symptoms of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome usually appear within 2-4 weeks of infection, but can appear as early as 1 week or as late as 6 weeks after infection.
First symptoms are general and flu-like: fever (101° F and above); headache; abdominal, joint, and lower back pain; sometimes nausea and vomiting. However, the primary
symptom of this disease is difficulty in breathing, which is caused by fluid build-up in the lungs, and which quickly progresses to an inability to breathe.

What should I do if I think I have hantavirus infection?

If any combination of the symptoms described above – especially difficulty in breathing – appear after direct or indirect exposure to rodents, contact your doctor or
public health clinic immediately and be sure to mention your exposure to rodents.

Is there a cure or vaccine against hantavirus infection?

There is no specific treatment, cure, or vaccine for hantavirus infection. However, if infected individuals are recognized early and receive medical care in an intensive
care unit, they may do better. In intensive care, patients are given oxygen therapy or intubated, to help them through the period of severe respiratory distress.

How do I identify rodents, burrows, and droppings?

A mouse nest, or burrow, is usually a pile of material under which the mouse lives. The pile can contain many different materials, such as twigs, insulation, styrofoam, and grass.

How is the virus spread?

Hantavirus is spread from wild rodents to people. The virus, which is found in rodent urine, saliva, and feces, can be easily aerosolized in confined spaces when disturbed by rodents or human activities like sweeping or vacuuming. Breathing in the virus is the most common way of becoming infected; however, you can also become infected by touching the mouth or nose after handling contaminated materials. A rodent’s bite can also spread the virus. Hantavirus is not spread from person to person. You cannot become infected by being near a person who has Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. The virus, which is able to survive in the environment for a few hours or days (for example, in dirt and dust in the shade or in rodent nests), can be killed by most household disinfectants, such as bleach, detergents or alcohol. Exposure to the sun’s UV rays can also kill the virus.

Is it safe to travel where hantavirus infection has been reported?

Yes. Travel to and within all areas where hantavirus infection has been reported is safe. Most activities of hikers are not associated with risks.

To minimize the risk for hantavirus infection, follow these precautions:

• Avoid touching live or dead rodents. Do not disturb rodents, burrows, or nests.
• Before occupying abandoned or unused cabins, open them up to air out. Inspect for rodents and do not use cabins if you find signs of rodent infestation such as droppings or nests.
• If you sleep outdoors, check potential campsites for rodent droppings and burrows.
• Disinfect droppings and nesting materials by spraying with a disinfectant, wearing kitchen gloves. Dispose of sprayed materials in a plastic bag.
• Avoid sleeping near woodpiles or garbage areas that may be frequented by rodents.
• Avoid sleeping on bare ground; use a tent with a floor, mat or elevated cots if they are available.
• Do not leave pet food in feeding dishes.
• Store foods in rodent-proof containers and promptly discard, bury, or burn all garbage in accordance with campsite regulations.

Hantavirus is spread from wild rodents to people. Breathing in the virus is the most common way of becoming infected.

What is Hantavirus?

Hantaviruses are viruses that cause disease in people. You can be infected with a hantavirus if you

• Breathe air or eat food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Are bitten by an infected rodent (typically a mouse or a rat)

Andes virus, found in South America, is the only hantavirus known to spread from person to person.

Hantaviruses in North and South America most commonly cause a serious lung disease known as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.

Hantaviruses in Europe and Asia cause organ damage, especially the kidneys and blood vessels. This is known as hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. Complete recovery from this type of disease can take weeks to months and may sometimes be fatal.

Symptoms of hantavirus disease usually develop 3 to 4 weeks after infection but can occur as early as 1 week and, in rare cases, up to 8 weeks. Early symptoms include fatigue, fever, and muscle aches. There may also be headaches, dizziness, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Who is at risk?

Hantaviruses are found throughout the world. Cases of hantavirus disease are rare among travelers, but some activities may make travelers more likely to get infected. Activities that increase a traveler’s chances of being around rodents, rodent nests, rodent urine and droppings include the following:

• Working with animals (veterinarians and wildlife professionals)
• Working on farms
• Camping
• Traveling to rural areas

What can travelers do to prevent hantavirus infection?

There are no vaccines or medicines to prevent hantavirus disease. Travelers can protect themselves from infection by taking the following steps.

Avoid rodents when traveling

• Disinfect droppings and nesting materials by spraying with a disinfectant, wearing kitchen gloves. Dispose of sprayed materials in a plastic bag.
• Avoid touching live or dead rodents. Do not disturb rodents, burrows, or nests.
• Before occupying abandoned or unused cabins, open them up to air out. Inspect for rodents and do not use cabins if you find signs of rodent infestation such as droppings or nests.
• If you sleep outdoors, check potential campsites for rodent droppings and burrows.
• Avoid sleeping near woodpiles or garbage areas. These may be frequented by rodents.
• Avoid sleeping on bare ground; use a tent with a floor, mat or elevated cots if they are available.
• Do not leave pet food in feeding dishes.
• Store foods in rodent-proof containers and promptly discard, bury, or burn all garbage in accordance with campsite regulations.

Wash your hands

• Wash hands often with soap and water. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
• Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick

• Do not kiss, hug, or share eating utensils or cups.
• Do not touch the bedding or clothing of a sick person.

If you traveled and feel sick, particularly if you have a fever, talk to a healthcare provider, and tell them about your travel. Avoid contact with other people while you are sick.