Ebola Virus and SARS-CoV-2: Similarities and Differences

Abstract

Ebola virus and the novel coronavirus of 2019, SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavi- rus 2) share many similarities in origin although transmission, morbidity and mortality are vastly different. In both cases the viruses are zoonotic pathogens and are thought to have originated in bats. The interme- diate animals for Ebola virus include primates, antelopes and various rodents, and contact with these ani- mals resulted in infection of humans. As of this writing, the intermediate host for SARS-CoV-2 remains a mystery although pangolins have been implicated. Ebola virus disease is spread by direct contact with body fluids and is not considered to be an airborne disease. SARS-CoV-2 is a respiratory tract infection, is highly infectious (more contagious than previous SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, two betacoronaviruses causing the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome or SARS, and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, respecti- vely) and is spread via airborne means. The other main difference is in regard to pathology and mortality. The Zaire Ebolavirus strain was 90% fatal and was eventually contained to small areas whereas fatality of SARS-CoV-2, as of this writing varies apparently across countries (from 2.1 % in Turkey to 12.8 % in Italy and Belgium) although the precise case fatality ratio is still unknown. The fact that most SARS-CoV-2 ca- ses have resulted in asymptomatic or in a mild disease (COVID-19) mimicking a common cold or flu, has made it difficult to contain the infection. Infected individuals may think they have a seasonal cold, contact others and travel to new areas where the disease can spread. This has resulted in COVID-19 becoming a pandemic, which is currently going throughout the world. Therefore, a final picture for a more precise com- parison between these two infections may be concluded in the next months.

Keywords

• ecovid-19; sars-cov-2; coronavirus; ebola virus