Overview

Key Points

Exposure

What increases your risk

Who is at risk

Signs and Symptoms

Diagnosis

Treatment and recovery

Prevention steps and strategies

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Andes Virus

Design and created by Guideline Central in participation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Andes Virus and Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Publication Date: May 11, 2026

What is Andes virus? Is it a new virus?
- Andes virus is a type of hantavirus that can cause severe respiratory disease in people. It is not a new virus and is normally found in areas of South America. Hantavirus disease surveillance in the United States began in 1993 during an outbreak of severe respiratory illness in the Four Corners region – the area where Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah meet. As of the end of 2023, 890 cases of hantavirus disease were reported in the United States since surveillance began in 1993

Does CDC have experience dealing with a hantavirus outbreak?
- CDC staff are among the world's foremost hantavirus experts, with decades of experience responding to and controlling outbreaks. For example, CDC worked on the 2018 outbreak in Delaware. CDC has conducted field investigations, laboratory diagnostics, and case identification to identify sources of infection, limit transmission, provide public health guidance, and educate communities about prevention

What are the symptoms of Andes virus?
- Early symptoms of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) caused by Andes virus can include:
  - Fatigue
  - Fever
  - Muscle aches, especially in large muscle groups like the thighs, hips, back, and sometimes shoulders
- About half of all patients with HPS also experience:
  - Headaches
  - Dizziness
  - Chills
  - Abdominal problems, like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain
- Signs and symptoms of Andes virus appear between 4 to 42 days after exposure to the virus. Typically, people are only infectious (able to transmit the virus to others) while they have symptoms.

Is Andes virus deadly?
- Yes. Andes virus can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), which affects the lungs. HPS can be deadly: 38% of people who develop respiratory symptoms may die from the disease.

How do you test for Andes virus?
- CDC and a few states can test patient specimens for hantavirus.

What is the treatment for Andes virus?
- There is no specific treatment for hantavirus infection. Patients with Andes virus receive supportive care, including rest, hydration, and treatment of symptoms.

Does hantavirus spread person-to person?
- Typically, hantavirus is spread mainly by rodents. The Andes virus is the only type of hantavirus that is known to spread person-to-person.
- 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

Disclaimer

The information in this patient summary should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.