Hantavirus and Andes Virus
The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is monitoring emerging information regarding Andes virus, a type of hantavirus, while continuing to provide information on hantavirus infections and prevention.
Although Andes virus has recently received increased attention because of international outbreaks and its ability to spread under limited circumstances between people, the risk to Mississippi residents remains very low.
On This Page
- Important information
- About Andes virus
- Andes/hantavirus comparison
- How the viruses spread
- Prevention
- For healthcare providers
- Questions and answers
- Resources
Important Information for Mississippi Residents
At this time:
- Andes virus is primarily found in South America.
- Human infections in the United States are extremely uncommon.
- There is no known established animal reservoir for Andes virus in Mississippi.
- Most Mississippi residents are not at increased risk.
Mississippians at risk would primarily be:
- Those traveling internationally
- Those in close contact with a confirmed infected individual.
Mississippi residents should understand that the majority of hantavirus-related concerns within the United States involve rodent exposure rather than person-to-person spread.
What Is Andes Virus?
Andes virus (ANDV) is a specific type of hantavirus found primarily in South America that can cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS).
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is a potentially life-threatening respiratory infection. It's the most serious danger in cases of Andes virus.
Unlike other known hantaviruses, Andes virus has documented evidence of limited person-to-person transmission among close contacts.
Transmission between people is believed to occur primarily through:
People are believed to be most infectious while symptomatic.
- Prolonged close contact
- Exposure to respiratory secretions or body fluids
- Household exposure
- Intimate contact
- Spending extended time in enclosed spaces with symptomatic individuals
What Is Hantavirus?
Hantaviruses are a family of viruses carried primarily by rodents. In the United States, hantaviruses most commonly cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a severe respiratory disease affecting the lungs and heart.
The most common rodent carrier in the United States is the deer mouse.
Most reported hantavirus cases in the United States occur in the Southwest, with 94% of the cases reported west of the Mississippi River.
No hantavirus cases have been reported in Mississippi since it became nationally reportable in 1993.
Andes Virus/Hantavirus Comparison
| Category | Andes Virus | Typical U.S. Hantavirus |
|---|---|---|
| Geographic distribution | Primarily South America | North America and other regions worldwide |
| Primary source | Rodents | Rodents |
| Person-to-person spread | Limited documented transmission possible | Not known to occur |
| Risk to Mississippi residents | Very low | Low, but possible through rodent exposure |
| Main risk factors | International travel or close contact with infected individuals | Exposure to rodent urine, droppings, saliva, or nests |
| Incubation period | Approximately 4–42 days | Approximately 1–8 weeks |
| Symptoms | Similar to HPS | Similar to HPS |
| Treatment | Supportive care | Supportive care |
| Vaccine available | No | No |
How Andes Virus and Hantavirus Spread
Most hantavirus infections occur through exposure to infected rodents.
Common modes of transmission include:
- Breathing contaminated air particles from rodent urine, droppings, or nesting materials
- Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth
- Rodent bites or scratches (rare)
- Handling infected rodents or nests
Activities that may increase risk include:
- Cleaning sheds, barns, garages, cabins, or storage areas
- Disturbing rodent nests
- Farming or outdoor work
- Camping or sleeping in rodent-infested locations
Symptoms of Andes Virus or Hantavirus Infection
Symptoms often begin with flu-like symptoms.
Early Symptoms
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Chills
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
Severe Symptoms
As illness progresses:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Fluid accumulation in the lungs
- Low blood pressure
- Respiratory failure
Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms develop following rodent exposure or relevant travel history.
Prevention
The best prevention is reducing rodent exposure.
Preventive steps include:
- Seal openings in homes and buildings
- Store food securely
- Remove rodent nesting sites
- Use rodent control measures
- Avoid sweeping or vacuuming dry droppings
- Spray contaminated areas with disinfectant before cleanup
- Wear gloves and protective equipment when appropriate
- Wash hands after cleanup activities
For Healthcare Providers
Testing and Diagnosis
Diagnosing hantavirus infection can be challenging because early symptoms often resemble influenza and other respiratory illnesses.
Testing may include:
- Antibody testing (IgM/IgG)
- PCR testing
- Immunohistochemistry
Healthcare providers should consider:
- Exposure history
- Rodent exposure
- Travel history
- Clinical presentation
Treatment
Currently there is:
- No specific antiviral treatment
- No licensed vaccine
Treatment focuses on supportive medical care including:
- Hospitalization when needed
- Intensive care support
- Oxygen therapy
- Mechanical ventilation
- Fluid and blood pressure management
Early recognition and treatment improve outcomes.
Questions and Answers
Is Andes virus circulating in Mississippi?
No. Andes virus is primarily associated with South America, and current risk to Mississippi residents is considered very low.Is the Mississippi State Department of Health currently monitoring any passengers related to the Andes virus cruise ship outbreak?
No, Mississippi is not currently monitoring any travelers related to this outbreak.Should Mississippi residents be worried about person-to-person spread?
For most residents, no. The primary risk in Mississippi remains rodent exposure rather than person-to-person transmission.What should travelers know about Andes virus?
Travelers to South America should avoid rodent exposure and avoid close contact with individuals who may be ill with Andes virus.Where can I find additional information regarding the Andes Virus outbreak on a cruise ship?
The most current information can be found at the CDC: Current Situation →What are the first symptoms of hantavirus?
Early symptoms usually include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, nausea, and gastrointestinal symptoms.Is hantavirus fatal?
Hantavirus can be severe and may become life-threatening if not treated promptly.Is there a vaccine?
No vaccine is currently available.How is hantavirus diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically requires specialized laboratory testing.How can I safely clean rodent droppings?
Do not sweep or vacuum dry droppings. Wet the area with disinfectant, allow it to soak, wear gloves, and carefully wipe up materials.Who should seek medical attention?
Individuals who develop symptoms after rodent exposure or relevant travel exposure should contact a healthcare provider.How can providers report suspected cases and/or receive guidance from the Mississippi State Department of Health?
Please call the Office of Epidemiology at 601-576-7725 to report suspected cases or to request guidance.Resources
|
Links referenced on this page |
||
| Map: U.S. hantavirus cases 1993-2023 | https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/images/graphics/HantavirusMap1993-2023.png | |
| Current Situation → | https://www.cdc.gov/hantavirus/situation-summary/index.html | |
| About Hantavirus (CDC) | https://www.cdc.gov/hantavirus/about/ | |
| Hantavirus FAQs (CDC) | https://www.cdc.gov/hantavirus/faq/ | |
| Hantavirus (WHO) | https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hantavirus | |
Find this page at https://msdh.ms.gov/page/14,30914,453.html