Signs and symptoms of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) due to Andes virus appear 4 to 42 days after exposure.

Symptoms may look like the flu and include:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Muscle aches (especially in the large muscle groups like the thighs, hips, back, and sometimes shoulders)
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Chills
• Stomach problems, like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain
• Trouble breathing 

Typically, people are only infectious while they have symptoms.

Symptoms can get worse fast, so it is important to get medical care early. 

Andes virus can spread:

• Through contact with infected rodents or their urine, saliva, or feces (droppings)
• By touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes
• Through close contact with a person who is sick with Andes virus (such as kissing, sharing utensils, or spending a long time in close spaces)

Avoid areas infested with rodents while visiting countries in South America.

Avoid spread between people by:

• Washing hands frequently
• Avoiding kissing and sexual contact with someone who may have Andes virus
• Avoid sharing drinks, cigarettes, hookah, and vapes with someone who may have Andes virus
• Avoid sharing eating utensils or eating food from the same plate or bowl as someone who may have Andes virus
• Maintaining distance from someone who may have Andes virus

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• About Hantavirus: https://www.cdc.gov/hantavirus/about/index.html
• About Andes Virus:  https://www.cdc.gov/hantavirus/about/andesvirus.html
• Current Situation: https://www.cdc.gov/hantavirus/situation-summary/index.html
• CDC's Andes Virus Fact Sheet:  https://www.cdc.gov/hantavirus/media/pdfs/2026/05/Andes_virus_factsheet_cleared.pdf

New Jersey Department of Health

• General Information: https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/hanta.shtml
• Frequently Asked Questions:  https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/documents/faq/Hantavirus-2024_FAQ_logo.pdf