Hantavirus.pub
Andes virus ยท Special case

Andes Virus: The Hantavirus That Can Rarely Spread Between People

Andes virus is a type of hantavirus found in parts of South America. Unlike most hantaviruses, Andes virus has been associated with rare person-to-person spread through close contact. This does not mean it spreads like COVID-19, but it does make careful contact monitoring important during outbreaks.

Short answer

Andes virus is the hantavirus health authorities discuss separately because limited close-contact person-to-person transmission has been reported. That makes it important to understand, but it still does not behave like a common respiratory virus.

What is Andes virus?

Andes virus is a type of hantavirus found in parts of South America. It can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome and is the main hantavirus associated with rare person-to-person spread.

How is it different from other hantaviruses?

Most hantaviruses are mainly rodent-borne and are not commonly spread from person to person. Andes virus is different because rare close-contact transmission has been documented, which is why outbreaks require careful contact monitoring.

Can Andes virus spread person to person?

Yes, but only rarely. Health authorities describe Andes virus as the main hantavirus associated with limited person-to-person transmission, usually after close or prolonged contact rather than casual public contact.

What close contact can mean
  • Household-like exposure
  • Intimate contact
  • Caregiving
  • Direct exposure to body fluids or respiratory secretions
  • Prolonged shared enclosed space

What symptoms can occur?

Symptoms can include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, gastrointestinal symptoms, and in severe cases coughing or shortness of breath. Early medical care matters if symptoms appear after relevant exposure.

Why is it relevant to the current cruise ship cluster?

Andes virus is relevant because it has been identified in the current cruise-ship-associated cluster, making close-contact monitoring more important than it would be for most hantavirus events.

Read the current situation summary

FAQ

What is Andes virus?+

Andes virus is a type of hantavirus found in parts of South America.

Can Andes virus spread person to person?+

Yes, but only rarely. Health authorities describe Andes virus as the main hantavirus associated with limited person-to-person spread through close or prolonged contact.

What symptoms can occur?+

Symptoms can include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, gastrointestinal symptoms, and in severe cases coughing or shortness of breath.

Why is Andes virus relevant to the current cruise ship cluster?+

It is relevant because Andes virus has been identified in the current cruise-ship-associated cluster and is monitored carefully due to the rare close-contact transmission concern.

Current situation

Read why Andes virus is central to the current cruise ship cluster update.

Sources

  • CDC About Andes Virus

    Explains what Andes virus is, where it is found, and why it is treated differently from most hantaviruses.

  • CDC About Hantavirus

    Provides general public information about hantavirus infection, exposure routes, and overall disease context.

  • CDC Clinical Overview

    Summarizes symptoms, disease severity, and the clinical context that makes early medical care important.

  • WHO Disease Outbreak News, May 8, 2026

    Shows how Andes virus relates to the recent cruise ship cluster and the current international public-health assessment.

Medical disclaimer

This website is for public information only and does not provide medical diagnosis or treatment.

Last reviewed: May 10, 2026

This site summarizes public information from WHO, CDC, ECDC, PAHO/WHO, and relevant national public health authorities.