SouthernWorldwide.com – As health officials closely monitor the hantavirus outbreak that originated on the MV Hondius cruise ship, the Andes virus, a less common strain from South America, has emerged as a significant concern.
The World Health Organization has identified the virus linked to the cruise ship outbreak, which has resulted in approximately eight cases and three fatalities as of May 11, as the Andes strain.
What sets the Andes strain apart from most hantaviruses is its unique ability to transmit from person to person. This characteristic elevates concerns about how such outbreaks could potentially unfold under specific conditions, unlike the typical rodent-to-human transmission observed in other hantavirus forms.
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“The Andes strain has been observed to be increasing recently, coinciding with rodent migrations northward towards Buenos Aires, driven by hot and wet climate conditions,” stated Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst for Fox News, in an interview with Fox News Digital. He further noted that it is predominantly a rodent virus, with current sequencing data showing no mutations to date.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the virus is endemic primarily in Argentina, Chile, and parts of southern South America. Its main carrier is a wild rodent species known as the long-tailed pygmy rice rat.
Dr. Siegel explained that the Andes strain has a tendency to lead to more severe complications, including hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS).
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Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a rare but serious respiratory illness that primarily affects the lungs. It causes fluid to accumulate, leading to significant breathing difficulties. The CDC reports that HPS can rapidly become life-threatening, with a mortality rate of 38% among individuals who develop respiratory symptoms.
Early symptoms of HPS, as outlined by the CDC, can include fatigue, fever, and muscle aches. Approximately half of all patients also experience headaches, dizziness, chills, and gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
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Symptoms typically manifest between four and 42 days following exposure. In the majority of cases, only individuals exhibiting symptoms are capable of spreading the virus to others.
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While the Andes virus does possess the capability for person-to-person transmission, Dr. Siegel emphasized that studies indicate this mode of spread remains infrequent.
“Currently, there is no specific treatment or vaccine available,” Dr. Siegel pointed out. He added that the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases is actively developing monoclonal antibodies, and an mRNA vaccine is also in development.
Patients diagnosed with the virus generally receive supportive care, which includes rest, adequate hydration, and medications to manage their symptoms.
Health experts have indicated that the Andes virus appears to spread with significantly less efficiency compared to highly contagious viruses such as measles, influenza, and COVID-19.
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The CDC has asserted that the overall risk to the American public and travelers remains “extremely low.”
The agency stated, “Andes virus testing is limited to individuals who present with relevant symptoms and have a history of exposure. If you believe you have had contact with a person diagnosed with Andes virus and are experiencing symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention from a healthcare professional or contact your state or local health department.”
