Nebraska Lab Develops Diagnostic Test for Rare Andes Hantavirus

A laboratory at the University of Nebraska Medical Center has successfully developed and validated a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test capable of detecting the rare Andes hantavirus in its early stages. This development comes in response to an outbreak on a cruise ship, with sixteen American passengers returning to the United States for quarantine and monitoring. Unlike existing serological tests that only detect antibodies after symptoms appear, this new diagnostic tool identifies the virus before severe illness sets in, which is critical given the disease's approximate 35 percent fatality rate. The CDC currently lacks a validated diagnostic PCR test for patient management, prompting Nebraska officials to collaborate with researchers at the University of New Mexico. By utilizing genetic materials and reagents shipped from New Mexico, the Nebraska team rapidly assembled and validated the test over a weekend. This initiative highlights a significant gap in national public health infrastructure, as most US laboratories lack the capacity to diagnose this specific South American strain, which is genetically distinct from native US hantavirus variants. The test aims to facilitate prompt medical treatment and prevent further spread among returning travelers.