Over the past few weeks, global attention has once again turned to infectious diseases—this time, Ebola and hantavirus. After the experience of Covid-19, such reports naturally create anxiety. Yet, the present situation calls not for panic, but for awareness and practical understanding. Misconceptions, often, spread faster than the diseases themselves, especially online.
At present, India has reported no cases of Ebola and no evidence of widespread hantavirus pulmonary syndrome transmission. Health authorities continue to monitor developments closely through existing surveillance and response systems. In an interconnected world, staying informed helps people respond calmly, responsibly and without unnecessary fear.
Hantavirus, though unfamiliar to many, is not a new disease. It is mainly carried by rodents. Humans become infected through exposure to rodent urine, droppings or saliva, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces. Unlike common viral infections, hantavirus does not spread from casual person-to-person contact.
This distinction is important in India. The virus does not spread in crowded trains, markets or offices, and cases in the country have been extremely rare. However, certain conditions—such as grain storage areas, construction sites, flood-affected regions and poor sanitation—can increase contact with rodents and create limited risk.
Early symptoms often resemble a routine viral illness: fever, body ache, fatigue and headache. However, hantavirus can rapidly become serious, causing severe breathing difficulty due to fluid buildup in the lungs, and sometimes kidney complications. Since there is no specific antiviral cure, early medical attention is critical and can significantly improve survival.
Anyone developing high fever with severe breathlessness, persistent vomiting or rapidly worsening illness after rodent exposure or travel should seek medical care promptly. Fortunately, prevention is simple and effective. Keeping surroundings clean, storing food safely, sealing rodent entry points and using wet cleaning methods instead of sweeping dusty areas can greatly reduce risk. These are practical steps that fit easily into daily life in India.
Ebola presents a different situation. Recent outbreaks in parts of Central Africa, including Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, involve strains being closely monitored by international health agencies. While these outbreaks remain geographically limited, global surveillance continues to track and contain cases. For India, however, the overall risk remains very low.
Ebola spreads only through direct contact with the body fluids of an infected person, such as blood, vomit or saliva. It is not airborne and does not spread through casual contact in public spaces. Symptoms usually appear within two to 21 days and include fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in severe cases, bleeding and organ failure. Health care workers and caregivers without adequate protective equipment face the highest risk.
India has strengthened airport screening, laboratory preparedness and surveillance systems to detect suspected cases quickly. The most effective strategies remain early diagnosis, isolation and supportive care.
For the general public, the message is simple: continue basic hygiene practices, remain aware of symptoms after travel or environmental exposure, and rely on credible health information rather than rumours or misinformation.
Both Ebola and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome remind us that infectious diseases—new and old—will continue to emerge. But they also highlight something equally important: knowledge, preparedness, and calm, informed action remain our strongest defence. In India, there is no cause for alarm—but there is strong reason to stay aware, informed and prepared as part of everyday public health awareness.
Shyla Jovitha Abraham is a health and wellness writer based in Cleveland, and Dr Jame Abraham is chairman, department of hematology/medical oncology, and professor of medicine at Cleveland Clinic The views expressed are his own and do not represent the views of Cleveland Clinic.