WHO: Andes Hantavirus Not a COVID-19-Level Threat

Key Summary

• • Andes hantavirus has drawn attention following a cruise ship-linked outbreak, prompting comparisons with COVID-19.
  • Scientific analysis shows the Andes virus differs significantly from SARS-CoV-2 in transmission, viral shedding, disease mechanisms, diagnostics, and genetic behavior.
  • Human infection is primarily linked to exposure to infected rodent excreta, not widespread respiratory transmission.
  • Evidence indicates limited person-to-person spread, with no signs of sustained community transmission.
  • WHO and ECDC continue to assess the public health risk as low, emphasizing that Andes hantavirus does not currently pose a COVID-19-like pandemic threat.
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Andes Hantavirus: Why Experts Say It Is Not the Next COVID-19

The recent identification of Andes hantavirus cases linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship has sparked public concern and renewed memories of the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Several affected travelers developed severe respiratory illness, prompting questions about whether the virus could trigger a global health emergency.

However, a new analysis published in Eurosurveillance highlights critical biological and epidemiological differences between Andes hantavirus and SARS-CoV-2, reassuring healthcare professionals that the risk of a COVID-19-style pandemic remains low.

Why Is Andes Hantavirus Different From SARS-CoV-2?

Unlike SARS-CoV-2, which spreads efficiently through respiratory droplets and aerosols, Andes hantavirus is primarily a rodent-borne virus found in Argentina and Chile. Human infection most often occurs after inhaling dust contaminated with excreta from infected rodents, particularly the long-tailed pygmy rice rat.

Researchers report that the Andes virus primarily uses the protocadherin-1 (PCDH1) receptor on pulmonary endothelial cells to enter the body. This mechanism contributes to vascular leakage and severe pulmonary complications. In contrast, SARS-CoV-2 targets ACE2 receptors throughout the respiratory tract, enabling rapid replication and efficient human-to-human transmission.

Another important distinction involves viral shedding. The Andes virus is mainly detected in blood samples, with only limited presence in saliva or respiratory secretions. SARS-CoV-2, however, is abundantly shed through the upper respiratory tract, facilitating widespread transmission.

Andes Hantavirus Transmission Risk

The incubation period further separates the two pathogens. Andes hantavirus can remain dormant for up to six weeks, with a median incubation period of approximately 20 days. SARS-CoV-2 variants typically produce symptoms within three to five days.

Can Andes Hantavirus Spread Between People?

Although rare cases of person-to-person transmission have been documented, scientists emphasize that Andes hantavirus transmission remains limited and inefficient.

The frequently cited Epuyén outbreak in Argentina provided the strongest evidence of human-to-human spread. Even then, transmission chains remained short and were usually restricted to close household or sexual contacts. Researchers found no evidence of widespread asymptomatic transmission, a factor that significantly contributed to the rapid global spread of COVID-19.

Human-to-Human Andes Virus Spread

Most introductions of the Andes virus fail to generate secondary cases. This contrasts sharply with SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks, where pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic transmission fueled rapid community spread and high reproduction rates.

What Do Current Public Health Assessments Show?

Diagnostic approaches also differ substantially. Clinicians diagnose Andes hantavirus primarily through RT-PCR testing of blood samples, supported by serological testing for IgM and IgG antibodies. COVID-19 testing relies largely on respiratory specimens collected from the upper airway.

Genomic studies offer additional reassurance. While SARS-CoV-2 continually acquired mutations that improved transmissibility and immune escape, Andes virus demonstrates relatively stable genetic characteristics. Investigators have not identified mutations associated with enhanced adaptation to humans or increased transmission potential.

WHO and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) continue to classify the public health risk as low. Current guidance recommends environmental investigations, case isolation, and targeted contact tracing rather than large-scale pandemic response measures.

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For healthcare professionals, the message is clear: despite recent attention, Andes hantavirus remains fundamentally different from SARS-CoV-2 and does not currently present a comparable pandemic threat.

Source:

EuroSurveillance