CLINICAL GUIDE · UPDATED MAY 7, 2026
Andes Virus Symptoms:
What to Watch For
Andes virus causes hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) — a severe respiratory illness with approximately 40% case fatality rate. Symptoms progress through distinct phases. Early detection and ICU admission significantly improves survival. There is no approved vaccine or antiviral treatment.
If you were potentially exposed to Andes virus and develop sudden shortness of breath, go to an emergency room immediately. Tell the treating team about potential Andes virus exposure. Time is critical during the cardiopulmonary phase.
SYMPTOM PROGRESSION BY PHASE
Early symptoms resemble severe flu. Many patients and clinicians initially misdiagnose this phase.
- ›Fever (38–40°C / 100–104°F)
- ›Severe headache
- ›Muscle pain, especially lower back and thighs
- ›Chills and sweating
- ›Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- ›Fatigue, general malaise
This is the critical and often fatal phase. Respiratory failure can develop within hours.
- ›Sudden shortness of breath (hallmark symptom)
- ›Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
- ›Fluid accumulation in lungs (pulmonary edema)
- ›Low blood pressure
- ›Oxygen saturation drops rapidly
- ›Cyanosis (bluish skin) in severe cases
EMERGENCY: If shortness of breath develops after fever, call emergency services immediately. This phase can become life-threatening within 4–6 hours.
Survivors who make it past the cardiopulmonary phase typically begin to improve. ICU care is usually required.
- ›Gradual improvement in breathing
- ›Fluid clearance from lungs
- ›Weeks to months of recovery
- ›Mechanical ventilation may be required before improvement
- ›Approximately 40% fatality rate — survivors recover fully
- ›No vaccine or antiviral exists