This is the first post in our series comparing key characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 and ANDV. 🌍
Understanding how viruses spread is essential for public health preparedness. 🔬
While SARS-CoV-2 spreads efficiently from person to person, Andes virus (ANDV) follows a very different transmission pattern.
ANDV is primarily transmitted from rodents to humans through exposure to contaminated environments, including contact with rodent urine or feces. Human-to-human transmission has also been reported, but remains rare and usually associated with very close contact.
Compared to coronaviruses, hantaviruses are also known to remain more stable in the environment, reinforcing the importance of surveillance and prevention measures.
Current ANDV cases linked to the recent cruise ship outbreak are being closely monitored by health authorities and researchers.
