FAQ — Hantavirus and the 2026 ANDV outbreak

Background reference, last reviewed 2026-05-08. Informational only — not medical advice.

What is hantavirus?

Hantaviruses are a family of viruses carried primarily by rodents. Different hantavirus strains cause different illnesses in humans. New World hantaviruses — including Andes virus (ANDV) and Sin Nombre virus — typically cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a severe respiratory illness. Old World hantaviruses cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), which primarily affects the kidneys.

What is the 2026 ANDV outbreak?

Andes virus (ANDV) is a hantavirus strain endemic to South America, especially Argentina and Chile. The 2026 outbreak refers to a current cluster of confirmed and suspected cases that public-health authorities are actively monitoring. This site aggregates publicly reported cases and news coverage to provide a single live view; for official guidance, consult your national or regional health authority.

Is hantavirus contagious from person to person?

Most hantaviruses are not transmitted person to person. Andes virus (ANDV) is the notable exception: it is the only hantavirus with documented evidence of person-to-person transmission, particularly during prolonged close contact in the early stages of illness. Sin Nombre virus and most other hantaviruses spread only from rodents to humans.

How do people get infected with hantavirus?

Most infections happen by inhaling aerosolized particles from rodent urine, droppings, or saliva, especially when cleaning enclosed spaces such as cabins, sheds, or vehicles where rodents have nested. Less commonly, transmission can occur through direct contact with a rodent, a bite, or — in the case of ANDV — close contact with a symptomatic person.

What are the symptoms of hantavirus infection?

Early symptoms typically appear 1–8 weeks after exposure and resemble the flu: fever, severe muscle aches (especially thighs, hips, back, and shoulders), headache, dizziness, chills, nausea, and fatigue. Late symptoms (HPS) include shortness of breath, cough, and fluid in the lungs, which can progress quickly to severe respiratory failure. Anyone with potential exposure followed by these symptoms should seek medical care immediately.

How deadly is hantavirus?

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome has a historical case fatality rate of roughly 35–40% for ANDV and Sin Nombre virus, though outcomes depend heavily on access to intensive care. There is no specific antiviral treatment; supportive care in an ICU — particularly mechanical ventilation and ECMO when available — substantially improves survival.

Is there a hantavirus vaccine?

There is no hantavirus vaccine licensed for general use in the United States or Europe. A vaccine for Hantaan virus (an Old World strain) is used in some countries in Asia. Several ANDV and Sin Nombre vaccine candidates are in research and clinical trials but are not commercially available.

How can I protect myself from hantavirus?

Reduce rodent presence around homes, sheds, and barns; seal entry points; trap and remove rodents safely; avoid stirring up dust in spaces with rodent droppings; and when cleaning such areas, ventilate first, then dampen surfaces with disinfectant before wiping. Wear gloves and an N95 respirator when handling rodent waste. In ANDV-affected regions, follow national public-health guidance on travel and outdoor exposure.

What should I do if I think I might have been exposed?

Contact a clinician promptly and disclose your exposure — including travel to ANDV-affected regions, contact with rodents or rodent-infested spaces, or close contact with a confirmed case. Early hospital evaluation is critical because symptoms can progress quickly. Do not delay care if you develop fever and respiratory symptoms.

Where is the data on this site from?

Case data is mirrored from a public ArcGIS feature service tracking confirmed, suspected, and deceased cases. News stories are pulled from public RSS feeds and summarized using AI; each article links to its original source. See our methodology page for details on how cases are deduplicated and how confidence thresholds gate auto-publishing.

Is this site an official source?

No. This is an independent aggregation site and is not affiliated with the World Health Organization, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Pan American Health Organization, or any other public or international health authority. For official guidance, consult your national or regional health agency.