Novel Andes-like Hantavirus in Travelers Returning to the United States from a Paleontology Expedition in Paraguay, 2025
- Presentation Day/Time: Thursday, April 23, 4:25 PM
- Presenter: Ozair Naqvi, PhD, MS, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology
The Issue
- Hantavirus infection was detected in a patient experiencing respiratory symptoms following travel to South America. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a severe respiratory illness caused by a virus that rodents carry. Andes virus (ANDV) is the primary cause of hantavirus in South America and is the only hantavirus that can transmit person-to-person. The transmissibility of Andes-like viruses remains uncertain.
What We Did
- We conducted a public health investigation to determine the source of the illness, identify other cases, and prevent transmission. We engaged in a conservative public health approach, informed by real-time epidemiology and laboratory data.
What We Found
- Of 16 expedition members, four experienced HPS-compatible symptoms, and two were laboratory confirmed. Testing of both patients confirmed infection with a novel ANDV-like virus. Their contacts were identified and monitored for the maximum incubation period; no secondary transmission was detected.
What This Means
- This investigation represents the first identification of human infection with a novel ANDV-like virus in travelers returning to the United States. Clinicians should consider HPS in travelers from South America who present with acute fever or respiratory illness and possible rodent exposure. They should contact public health authorities to identify the viral species and support contact tracing, exposure assessment, and monitoring when needed.
