Two viral diseases posing serious public health risks have attracted renewed attention, with recent articles in the Canadian Medical Association Journal highlighting essential information for healthcare professionals. Hantavirus and Ebola. Hantavirus is a nationally reportable disease in Canada, with approximately four to five cases confirmed annually, primarily following rodent exposure in agricultural areas of western provinces. Different strains cause different illnesses: in North and South America, infections can lead to hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome, whilst European and Asian strains are more commonly associated with haemorrhagic fever and kidney dysfunction.
The Andes virus strain is particularly notable as it can spread between people, unlike most hantaviruses. The incubation period is typically two to four weeks, with symptoms including fever, headache, muscle aches, and abdominal pain. No approved antiviral medication or vaccine exists for hantavirus, making supportive care the primary treatment approach. Suspected Andes virus infections require airborne, droplet, and contact precautions.
Ebola outbreaks have occurred periodically in Central and West Africa since 1976, with fruit bats believed to be the natural reservoir. The virus spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces. The current outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo involves Bundibugyo ebolavirus, which has a reported fatality rate of 30–50%.
Although often associated with bleeding, fewer than half of Ebola patients develop haemorrhagic symptoms. Typical presentations include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, and gastrointestinal problems, with an incubation period of 2 to 21 days.
Significant progress has been made against some Ebola strains, with vaccines targeting Zaire ebolavirus proving highly effective and antiviral treatments reducing mortality from 50% to 35%. However, no approved vaccines or treatments currently exist for Bundibugyo ebolavirus.
Source: Science Daily / Canadian Medical Association Journal (2026)
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