Andes Virus (Hantavirus) in South America

Level 4 - Avoid All Travel
Level 3 - Reconsider Nonessential Travel
Level 2 - Practice Enhanced Precautions
Level 1 - Practice Usual Precautions

Key points

  • Andes virus is a species of hantavirus carried by some rodents in South America. Andes virus is naturally present (endemic) in Argentina and Chile.
  • Andes virus can cause a severe and often fatal respiratory illness known as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
  • The risk for most travelers remains extremely low; however, to prevent exposure to Andes virus, travelers to countries where Andes virus is naturally present (i.e., Argentina and Chile) should:
    • Avoid areas where rodents are likely to be found or where they see signs of rodents (such as droppings or nests). If this is not possible, travelers should wear a respirator or well-fitting mask, such as an N95, while in these areas
    • Wash hands often
    • Avoid contact with people who have symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, headaches, dizziness, chills, difficulty breathing, vomiting, or diarrhea
    • Store food and garbage in containers with tightly fitting lids
    • Take special precautions when cleaning and disinfecting areas contaminated by rodent droppings
  • Travelers should seek medical care and avoid contact with other people if they develop fever, muscle aches, headaches, dizziness, chills, difficulty breathing, vomiting, or diarrhea during or after travel. Call ahead, share your travel history, and wear a respirator or well-fitting mask when going to a healthcare facility.

Traveler Information

Clinician Information

What is Andes virus?

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 with their urine, feces, or saliva. Unlike other hantaviruses, Andes virus can also be spread through close, prolonged contact with a person who is sick.

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 approved antiviral treatment or vaccine for Andes virus currently available. Early rapid medical care is critical with care centered on managing symptoms.