TWiV Special: Ebola virus and Andes virus with John Dye

The current Ebola virus outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo species, highlights significant gaps in biosurveillance and diagnostic readiness in rural African regions. Because standard Ebola tests are often specific to the Zaire species, initial detection was delayed, allowing the virus to spread across porous borders. While vaccines and monoclonal antibody cocktails like MBP134 show promise in preclinical models, their efficacy against this specific isolate requires further validation. Beyond Ebola, the recent Hantavirus outbreak underscores the persistent threat of zoonotic diseases and the limitations of reactive, one-bug-one-drug approaches. Effective containment demands robust international collaboration, decentralized diagnostic infrastructure, and a deeper understanding of local cultural practices to build trust. Moving forward, proactive investment in global biosurveillance and cross-reactive medical countermeasures is essential to mitigate the impact of future viral spillover events.