Support for Laboratories Regarding Recent Andes Virus Cases

Following the recent hantavirus cases linked to a cruise ship, the EURL-PH-ERZV is offering support to laboratories that may need assistance in handling suspected or confirmed cases of Andes virus (ANDV).

The EURL-PH-ERZV can provide:

  • Guidance and protocols for molecular detection of hantaviruses, including ANDV
  • Diagnostic testing support for ANDV
  • Access to inactivated hantavirus reference material upon request
  • Biosafety recommendations for safe sample handling and inactivation

Information on available diagnostic kits for hantavirus detection, including ANDV-specific assays, is available upon request. Please contact us for further information.

EURL-PH-ERZV@folkhalsomyndigheten.se

Interim recommendations for transport and handling of specimens

Interim guidance for handling patient specimens with suspected or confirmed Andes virus (PDF, 229 kB)

For updates on the ongoing situation

See information from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the World Health Organization.

Suspected hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship under investigation: risk for Europeans very low (ecdc.europa.eu)

Hantavirus cluster linked to cruise ship travel, Multi-country (who.int)