Andes hantavirus: how evolving knowledge is leading to a new approach to intervention measures

Abstract

Andes virus (ANDV) is the hantavirus of greatest relevance in Argentina and Chile, not only because of its environmental transmission associated with exposure in wild settings contaminated by the excreta of infected rodents, but also because of its intrinsic person-to-person transmissibility, which poses a unique public health challenge. This feature determines a clinical and epidemiological approach that differs from that used for other hantaviruses, especially with regard to the isolation of suspected and confirmed cases, as well as contact tracing and follow-up. The historic 2018–2019 outbreak transformed intervention strategies through the implementation of Selective Respiratory Isolation (SRI) for close contacts. The aim of this review is to analyze the evolution of scientific evidence between 2020 and 2026 regarding the mechanisms of salivary and respiratory transmission, viral persistence during convalescence, environmental stability of the pathogen, and the impact of new epidemiological surveillance protocols in Argentina. In conclusion, current evidence indicates that risk mitigation requires moving beyond a reactive response and consolidating comprehensive preventive strategies based on the One Health approach.