New NEJM Review Highlights Clinical Preparedness for Andes Virus

A new review published in The New England Journal of Medicine showcases the collaborative work of the NETEC Special Pathogens Research Network (SPRN), bringing together investigators from three Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Centers (RESPTCs)—Emory University, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Nebraska Medical Center—along with colleagues from the Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Virales Humanas (INEVH-ANLIS) in Argentina.

The review provides clinicians with a timely overview of Andes Virus (ANDV), an emerging pathogen capable of causing hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) and the only orthohantavirus known to spread from person to person. It offers practical guidance on recognizing, diagnosing, and managing ANDV infection while emphasizing the importance of infection prevention, early supportive care, and public health coordination.

This publication comes at an important time. Although Andes Virus remains endemic to parts of South America, recent events have underscored the need for healthcare facilities worldwide to remain prepared to identify and safely manage patients with high-consequence infectious diseases. Because early symptoms can resemble many common febrile illnesses, obtaining a thorough travel and exposure history is essential. The authors emphasize that clinicians should consider Andes Virus in patients with relevant travel or epidemiologic risk factors who present with rapidly progressive respiratory illness.

The review reinforces several core preparedness principles for healthcare facilities:

Early recognition and rapid isolation of suspect and confirmed cases along with prompt communication with public health authorities to facilitate specialized diagnostic testing is essential.
Appropriate use of personal protective equipment and infection prevention measures are crucial to reducing transmission risk.
No licensed vaccines or targeted therapeutics currently exist for Andes Virus; clinical management relies on timely recognition and aggressive supportive critical care.

Beyond its clinical recommendations, the review demonstrates the value of sustained collaboration across institutions and international partners. By combining expertise from leading U.S. special pathogen centers with the experience of colleagues in Argentina, where Andes Virus is endemic, the authors provide practical guidance that can help strengthen preparedness both domestically and globally.

NETEC congratulates the authors on this important contribution to the field:

Gavin H. Harris, MD, Emory University School of Medicine
Anabel Sinchi, MD, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Virales Humanas (INEVH-ANLIS), Argentina
James Lawler, MD, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Maria Frank, MD, Johns Hopkins University

This publication highlights the role of the NETEC Special Pathogens Research Network (SPRN) in fostering collaboration among experts across the National Special Pathogen System and international partners to advance the science of special pathogen preparedness. As emerging infectious disease threats continue to evolve, partnerships like these help ensure healthcare systems are prepared to safely identify, isolate, and care for patients with special pathogens.

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