Executive Summary:
Hantavirus is a rare but potentially serious illness linked to rodent exposure, with current concerns centered on the Andes virus in parts of South America. While the overall risk to travelers remains low, awareness and preventive measures can help reduce exposure and support safe travel.
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- Most infections occur through contact with infected rodents or contaminated environments; limited person-to-person spread has been reported in rare cases.
- Travelers can reduce risk by avoiding rodent exposure, practicing good hygiene, and monitoring for flu-like or respiratory symptoms after travel.
- Early medical attention is important, as severe cases can progress to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS).
Hantavirus: What Travelers Need to Know
With growing concerns of hantavirus following reports of cases associated with the Andes virus in South America, many travelers are seeking clarity on what this means for their health and safety. On Call International’s medical team is closely monitoring the situation. Understanding how hantavirus spreads—and how risk can be reduced—can help organizations and travelers make informed decisions.
Below, Dr. Heidi Blake, On Call International’s Medical Director, breaks down what hantavirus is, how it spreads, and what travelers and organizations should know to stay protected.
What Is Hantavirus?
Hantavirus is not a new virus and is well known to medical personnel. It occurs rarely but causes a viral infection in people that should be treated promptly. The current outbreak involves the Andes virus, a species of hantavirus found primarily in South America. Rodents carrying the Andes virus have not been identified in the United States.
The Andes variant of the hantavirus can cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a respiratory illness that may be life‑threatening. Hantavirus does not spread easily between people, and the current risk to travelers is low.
The World Health Organization currently assesses the risk to the global population from this current event as low and will continue to monitor the epidemiological situation and update the risk assessment.
There is generally no need to change travel plans in relation to this event, however, if a traveler is immunocompromised or has lung disease, they may want to consider following the ’how to reduce risk’ section below carefully.
How Does Hantavirus Spread?
Most hantavirus infections occur through contact with infected rodents, not from other people. Humans typically become infected by breathing in air contaminated with the urine, droppings, saliva, or nesting materials of infected rodents. Infection can also occur by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes, or through rodent bites.
Although uncommon, limited human-to-human transmission has been reported in previous outbreaks of the Andes virus in group settings. This contact includes direct physical contact, prolonged time spent in close or enclosed spaces, and exposure to the sick person’s body fluids. The Andes virus seems to pass to others more easily the first day that the infected person has a fever. It spreads much less readily after that first day of fever.
The potential for human-to-human transmission should be considered primarily in areas where Andes hantavirus is endemic. Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay are core countries in which the Andes hantavirus is endemic. The Andes virus is carried by the long-tailed pygmy rats which are found around homes in rural or agricultural regions in these countries.
How Can Travelers Reduce Risk?
For travelers visiting and engaging in outdoor activities in areas where the Andes virus is endemic, basic precautions can significantly reduce risk
Travelers should:
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- Avoid contact with rodents and areas where rodent droppings or nests are present
- Store food securely in sealed containers
- Use wet‑cleaning methods with proper ventilation and wear a mask and gloves when cleaning potentially contaminated areas (avoid dry sweeping).
More broadly, standard infection prevention practices remain important, particularly during group travel. This will reduce your risk of contracting many potential infections, in addition to hantavirus. These include:
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- Frequent hand hygiene with soap and water or alcohol-based hand-sanitizers
- Practice good cough etiquette: (always cover a cough and cough into elbow, not hands
- Avoid close contact with individuals who appear ill or have a cough
- Wear a mask if you must be around someone who is coughing or may be sick
- Wear a mask if YOU have a cough or fever and cannot isolate
- Avoiding sharing drinks, utensils, cigarettes, vapes, or eating food from the same dishes with someone who may be sick
What Symptoms Should Travelers Watch For?
Hantavirus infection often begins with flu‑like symptoms, which may include:
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- Fever and chills
- Headache and dizziness
- Muscle aches
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain
In some cases, symptoms may progress to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), which can involve sudden shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and low blood pressure, causing dizziness or weakness.
Symptoms of HPS typically develop two to four weeks after exposure, though onset may occur as early as one week or as late as eight weeks.
Travelers who develop symptoms such as fever, severe flu‑like illness, or respiratory distress should seek medical care immediately and self‑isolate.
Is There a Treatment or Vaccine?
There is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for hantavirus infection. Early recognition and prompt supportive medical care, including rapid referral to a facility with intensive care capabilities, are recommended.
If Assistance Is Needed While Traveling
On Call International clients and travelers can contact us 24/7 for assistance with locating appropriate medical care, coordinating treatment, or arranging evacuation if needed. We continue to monitor this situation closely and will provide updates as warranted.
The information provided to you within this report has been compiled from a multitude of available sources and is based on current news and analysis at the time of writing. The security team at On Call International, LLC has provided this analysis, supporting advice and recommendations in good faith to assist you in mitigating risks that could arise. However, no implied or express warranty against risk, changes in circumstance, or other fluid and unforeseen events can be provided. By reading this report, you will agree that any reliance you place on this information is therefore strictly at your own risk and that you will not hold On Call International, LLC or the authors responsible for any inaccuracies, errors or oversights here-in. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise without the prior permission of On Call International, LLC.
About On Call International:
When traveling, every problem is unique–a medical crisis, a political threat, even a common incident such as a missed flight. But every solution starts with customized care that ensures travelers are safe and protected. That’s why for over 30 years, On Call International has provided fully-customized travel risk management and emergency assistance services protecting millions of travelers, their families, and their organizations. Visit www.oncallinternational.com and follow us on LinkedIn to learn more.
