Andes virus
Definition
A species of hantavirus (family Hantaviridae) endemic to South America, particularly Argentina and Chile, that causes hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a severe respiratory illness with high mortality.
Unique among hantaviruses for its ability to transmit directly from person to person, in addition to transmission via rodent excreta, primarily from the long-tailed pygmy rice rat (Oligoryzomys longicaudatus).
Examples
Hiking enthusiasts in Patagonia are now double-checking their gear after reports of Andes virus lurking in rodent hotspots.
The Andes virus pulled off the ultimate plot twist by going viral the old-fashioned way—person to person.
While most viruses play hard to get, the Andes virus crashes the party with its rare human-to-human handshake.
Researchers tracking the Andes virus learned that even pandemics have regional accents—straight from the Andes.