The Andes virus is one of the many hantavirus types and is mainly transmitted by the marsh rice rat. It can cause more severe disease symptoms than other hantaviruses. This type does not occur in the Netherlands, but is found in South America, particularly in Argentina and Chile.  

Infection and prevention 

You get the virus by contact with marsh rice rat droppings, urine and saliva, or by breathing in dust particles from these. The Andes virus is one of the few hantaviruses that can be transferred from person to person. It is not yet known exactly how the virus is transferred, but the likelihood of people infecting each other is low. Internationally, only a few examples have been documented. Interhuman transfer of the Anders virus only happens when people are in very close contact with each other,  for example, within households or, in this case, on a cruise ship.

To limit further spread and infection, it is important to maintain distance from others and possibly wear a face mask. 

Disease symptoms in humans

People may experience high fever, breathing problems and severe fatigue. Later on, this can lead to severe lung and heart problems. After infection with the Andes virus, most people develop symptoms within 1 to 5 weeks. Up to 30-50% of people may die from the virus.

Treatment

There is no Andes virus vaccine. In people hospitalised with severe symptoms caused by the Andes virus, treatment is mainly aimed at supporting breathing and preventing other infections.     

The risk of Andes virus spreading in the Netherlands is very small

The Andes virus does not occur outside of South America. The likelihood of people in the Netherlands becoming ill as a result of the situation on the cruise ship is very low. There is no risk to public health and no cause for concern. The organisations concerned are closely monitoring the situation.

Andes virus in rats in the Netherlands

A characteristic of hantaviruses is that each one has its own rodent host species. For the Andes virus, it is the marsh rice rat, a rat species found in South America. The marsh rice rat does not occur in the Netherlands or anywhere else in Europe. The spread of the Andes virus via rodents in the Netherlands is therefore very unlikely.

When are you at risk?

Only people who have had prolonged close contact with a person infected with the hantavirus may be at risk. The municipal health service (GGD) is actively contacting these people.

People who travel to South America, especially Argentina, face a very low risk of infection. If you need advice, please contact your municipal health service (GGD) before travelling.

Testing for the Andes virus?

Testing is not necessary if you have not received a notification from the GGD. Testing for the Andes virus is done with a PCR test for hantaviruses. In addition, there is a specific Andes virus PCR test. When testing for the Andes virus, testing is done for all hantaviruses and specifically for the Andes virus. The tests are performed simultaneously by RIVM and the Erasmus MC, and the results are analysed and compared for the most reliable advice possible.

The hantavirus can also be detected through a so-called serological test that measures virus antibodies. The test can measure whether someone has the infection now or has had the infection previously. This test is also useful for detecting antibodies against the Andes virus.

What if I develop symptoms?

If you develop symptoms such as fever, muscle pain or shortness of breath and you recently had close contact with someone who has the Andes virus and you have not had prior contact with the GGD, please contact your local GGD.