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Hantavirus leaves consequences for months, study: Survivors face fatigue, anxiety and memory problems

2026-05-13 09:56:19Aktualitet SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

Hantavirus leaves consequences for months, study: Survivors face fatigue,

Hantavirus has been the headline in recent days, with fears of a widespread spread of infections also influenced by what happened with the coronavirus, which turned into a pandemic, although in this specific case, experts say that this has no chance of happening.

This virus has a high mortality rate, but surviving hantavirus infection does not always mean an immediate return to normal health. New data from Chile shows that patients infected with the Andean strain continued to report symptoms for 3 to 6 months after recovery.

Interest has increased significantly after the recent cases linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship. Recall that this is the Andean virus, which is mainly detected on the continent (of South America).

Two factors make its management challenging: the incubation period can be up to eight weeks and there is no antiviral drug or vaccine.

When Andean virus infection progresses to hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS), it can cause severe respiratory and cardiovascular burden. In these cases, timely intensive care becomes critical, as the mortality rate is high.

Not considered a COVID-19-type threat
Hantavirus – and in this case the Andean strain – is not new to the scientific community. It has been known for years where it is endemic, how it is transmitted, and what clinical presentation it can cause.

This is why the World Health Organization has stressed that there is no evidence that it could develop into a pandemic similar to COVID-19.

However, our recent experience with coronavirus has changed the way infections are assessed. The question concerns not only the acute phase, but also the course of patients after hospitalization.

Researchers at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile followed 21 survivors of Andes virus infection for 3 to 6 months. The patients were divided according to the severity of their illness and whether they needed extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, a support method used when the lungs or heart fail.
The aim was to assess their symptoms, functioning and quality of life after the acute phase.

The team describes that all 21 participants experienced at least one symptom during the follow-up period. More than 60% said they had not fully recovered. On average, each patient reported about 11 to 12 symptoms. These included fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, memory problems, hair loss, nightmares, sensory disturbances and difficulty moving.

In the most severe cases, movement problems and tachycardia were identified more frequently. However, persistent discomfort was also recorded in patients who did not require extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, indicating that prolonged recovery is not associated with intensive care alone.

Inadequate follow-up after discharge
Access to rehabilitation services was not the same for everyone. Patients with more severe clinical conditions, especially those undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, were more likely to receive physiotherapy or other support.

In contrast, among survivors who did not require extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, only 30% received such care after hospital discharge.

Many tried to manage their symptoms themselves, mainly with painkillers, sleeping pills and vitamins. Self-medication was particularly common among those who did not require extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Difficulty returning to daily life
Findings showed that nearly 1 in 5 had not returned to work or school six months after becoming ill. Among those who did return, the average time was 3.5 months. Many reported reduced performance, with no clear differentiation depending on the severity of the initial infection.

The study also recorded social impacts. In the group of patients who required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, 45.5% experienced stigmatization at school or in the workplace due to fear from others about the disease.


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