90-Second Read: Why the Ebola Outbreak Is More Concerning to Health Experts Than Hantavirus

An outbreak of a rare type of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighboring Uganda has caused over 530 suspected cases and 131 deaths, according to the DRC's Public Health Ministry. Although the immediate risk of Ebola to Americans is low, the CDC says, the fast-growing outbreak has sparked alarm among health experts. While the Ebola outbreak is alarming, health experts emphasize that it's unlikely to trigger a pandemic.

An outbreak of a rare type of Ebola in the DRC has killed 130 and infected hundreds more. While the world closely watched an outbreak of Hantavirus unfold on a luxury cruise ship over the last few weeks, another deadly infectious disease was sweeping through one of Africa's largest countries and killing dozens: Ebola. Earlier this week, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of Ebola a public health emergency of international concern, its highest level of alarm.

Currently, the Ebola outbreak is considered a "public health emergency of international concern," which the WHO defines as an extraordinary health event that poses a risk to multiple countries. In a statement, the Africa CDC said, "Africa needs solidarity, not stigma." Compared to the Andes Hantavirus, which has spread to 10 people so far, Ebola is far more contagious and dangerous, the experts emphasize. Ebola is a severe and often fatal disease caused by a group of viruses, including the rare Bundibugyo strain, which is fueling the current explosion of cases.