Ebola and hantavirus are two very serious viruses. They can look alike at first because they cause fever, headache, muscle aches, and stomach pain.
Hantavirus: What You Need to Know
One type of hantavirus, called the Andes virus, can spread from person to person. In North and South America, hantavirus often leads to a lung problem called hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome. In Europe and Asia, it can cause bleeding and kidney trouble.
After a bite from an infected rodent, the virus usually shows up after 2 to 4 weeks. Doctors check for it with blood tests and a special lab test called PCR.
There is no vaccine or specific medicine for hantavirus yet. Treatment means helping the patient stay comfortable and managing any problems that appear.
Ebola: Ongoing Outbreaks
Ebola has appeared in Central and West Africa many times since 1976. Fruit bats are thought to be the natural hosts of the virus.
The virus spreads when someone touches infected blood, vomit, diarrhea, or other body fluids. It can also spread by touching objects that have the virus on them.
The current outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo involves the Bundibugyo strain, which kills about 30% to 50% of people who get sick.
Typical Ebola signs include a high fever (38 °C or more), feeling very tired, muscle pain, and stomach problems. Not everyone bleeds, even though the disease is known for that.
Doctors confirm Ebola with a PCR test. Anyone who has been near a sick person, visited an area with an outbreak, or handled wildlife from those areas should get tested right away.
Keeping Safe
Health workers use strict rules to stop the viruses from spreading. They wear protective gear like N95 masks, face shields, gloves, and waterproof gowns.
For Ebola, a vaccine works well against the Zaire strain, and two antiviral medicines have lowered death rates. But there is still no approved vaccine or drug for the Bundibugyo strain, so doctors mainly provide supportive care.
Because there are no specific cures for either virus, the best defense is early detection, good hygiene, and careful infection‑control practices.