Andes virus is a species of hantavirus carried by some rodents in South America. Humans can be infected with hantaviruses through contact with infected rodents or their droppings. Unlike other hantaviruses, Andes virus can also be spread through close contact with a person who is sick with Andes virus.
Symptoms may progress rapidly. Early symptoms can be mild and may include fatigue, fever, muscle aches, headache, dizziness, chills, and abdominal problems like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Like other hantaviruses, Andes virus infection can lead to a severe, sometimes fatal, respiratory disease called hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). Symptoms of HPS include coughing, difficulty breathing, and fluid in the lungs.
There is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for Andes virus currently available. Early medical care is critical with care centered on managing symptoms.