Andes orthohantavirus
The South American hantavirus species responsible for the MV Hondius outbreak. Unique among hantaviruses for documented human-to-human spread.
Pathogen reference
PATHOGEN
Andes orthohantavirus
VECTOR
Rodent excreta (aerosolized)
INCUBATION
7–39 days
CFR (HPS)
35–50%
VACCINE
None licensed
H2H
Documented (rare)
Reservoir & transmission
Primary reservoir: long-tailed pygmy rice rat (Oligoryzomys longicaudatus), endemic to Argentina, Chile, and parts of Bolivia and Uruguay. Humans inhale aerosolised rodent excreta — urine, droppings, saliva. Andes virus is the only hantavirus with documented person-to-person transmission, especially among close family contacts during the prodromal phase.
Recognise the warning signs early — see symptoms guide.