2 diseases have hit the headlines recently – let’s compare the two…
Ebola
Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a severe and often fatal illness caused by the Ebola virus, primarily affecting parts of sub‑Saharan Africa. Right now, in May 2026, a significant Ebola outbreak is ongoing in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with cases also reported in neighbouring Uganda. The World Health Organization has declared this outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern due to rising cases and cross‑border spread.
- Over 500 suspected cases and more than 130 deaths have been reported in recent weeks
- The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain, for which no approved vaccine or specific treatment exists
- Cases have appeared in urban areas and conflict zones, complicating containment efforts
Key Characteristics:
Transmission: Direct contact with bodily fluids
Incubation period: 2–21 days
Fatality rate: Typically 25% to 90%
Transmission and Workplace Risk:
- Requires close contact with symptomatic individuals
- Recent outbreaks highlight risk in:
- Healthcare settings
- International aid operations
- Minimal relevance in routine UK workplaces
Hantavirus
Hantaviruses are a group of viruses carried by rodents and transmitted to humans primarily through exposure to contaminated dust (urine, droppings, or saliva). In recent weeks, May 2026, Hantavirus has gained international attention due to a multi-country outbreak linked to a cruise ship (MV Hondius):]
- At least 5 confirmed cases and 3 deaths were reported among passengers
- Cases have involved individuals across Europe, Africa, and beyond, with passengers requiring monitoring and isolation in multiple countries
- The outbreak involves the Andes strain, one of the few capable of limited human‑to‑human transmission
UK authorities have confirmed that:
- There are no confirmed domestic cases [at time of writing 20/5]
- The risk to the UK public remains very low, despite international monitoring and preparedness measures
Key Characteristics:
Transmission: Usually environmental (rodent exposure); rarely human-to-human although possible with the Andes strain
Incubation period: 1–5 weeks (longer than many viruses)
Fatality rate: Varies by strain; some forms can reach 30–40%
Transmission and Workplace Risk:
- Linked to environmental exposure (rodents)
- Relevant to:
- Construction and demolition
- Agriculture
- Facilities maintenance
- Waste handling
How you get Hantavirus
Hantavirus is usually spread by breathing in or touching the poo, urine or saliva of infected rats, mice or voles.
You’re more likely to get hantavirus if:
- you live or work close to rat or mouse poo and pee
- you handle rats, mice or voles
- you’ve been bitten by a rat, mouse or vole
2 risk factors – Likelihood and severity
Anyone who has undertaken Risk Assessment training with us will fully understand these terms – let’s compare and contrast:
| Factor | Ebola | Hantavirus |
|---|---|---|
| Severity | Very high | Moderate to high |
| Fatality rate | High | Variable (low to high depending on strain) |
| Current outbreaks | Active in Central Africa | Small, contained international cluster |
| Likelihood of exposure (UK) | Extremely low | Low but credible in specific environments |
So, what does this mean…?
- Ebola is more dangerous per case, but Hantavirus is more relevant to certain UK work activities.
- The 2026 cruise outbreak also demonstrates how quickly global travel can distribute rare infections, even when overall case numbers remain low.
- Hantavirus risk is task-based, not person-based.
Ebola: High hazard × Extremely low exposure = Minimal UK workplace risk
Hantavirus: Moderate/high hazard × Targeted exposure = Credible occupational risk
Control Measures for Ebola
Relevant primarily for international or healthcare operations:
- Infection prevention and control procedures
- High-level PPE
- Emergency response planning
Control Measures for Hantavirus
More directly relevant to UK duty holders:
- Effective rodent control measures
- Avoiding dry sweeping contaminated areas
- Use of appropriate PPE where risk is identified
- Task-specific risk assessments
- Staff awareness and hygiene practices
