Andes Virus

A prior Andes virus outbreak in 2018–2019 infected 35 people and caused 11 deaths. The Andes virus can transmit directly from person to person, unlike most hantavirus varieties. The incubation period for Andes hantavirus ranges from 1 to 8 weeks, which is exceptionally long by infectious-disease standards. Andes hantavirus is the only known hantavirus strain capable of human-to-human transmission. Andes virus uses GN and GC surface glycoproteins to interact with endothelial-cell receptors. During acute infection, infectious ANDV is detectable in saliva, gingival crevicular fluid, nasopharyngeal swabs, and urine. PCDH1 is described as an important endothelial receptor for Andes virus. Andes virus suppresses interferon production, allowing infection of more endothelial cells. Severity of Andes hantavirus illness correlates with the presence of viral RNA in non-blood fluids, meaning sicker patients shed more virus into secretions. The Andes virus carries a mortality rate of 30–40%. Andes virus can cause a rapidly worsening cardiopulmonary syndrome that may require intensive care. The febrile prodrome is the period of highest viral shedding and greatest risk of human-to-human transmis…