We trust our doctors to have the right tools for a crisis. But nature just changed the locks on the medicine cabinet.

WHAT HAPPENED

Scientists found new versions of Ebola and Hantavirus. These are not the same germs we fought in the past.

Their inner makeup has changed. This means the vaccines and drugs we have right now might not see them as a threat.

Health experts are worried. They say we need to throw out our old plans and start over to keep people safe.

WHAT THE EVIDENCE SHOWS

New strains of Ebola and Hantavirus are spreading.

• The DNA of these germs is very different from old versions.
• Current vaccines may not work against these new types.
• Experts call for a total change in how we respond to outbreaks.
• A new study warns New Orleans to plan for a full climate move.

THE BIGGER QUESTION

Why are these viruses changing so much right now? We usually blame the germs, but we should look at the world around us.

As the climate changes, people and animals move to new places. Is this move forcing viruses to change just to stay alive?

If cities like New Orleans have to move people out, we are changing the map of where germs live too.

THE OTHER SIDE

Some scientists say we should not panic yet. They think we can tweak our current drugs to catch up with the new strains.

But the gap between the old and new germs is very wide. Most experts think a simple fix will not be enough this time.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW

Health groups are busy writing new rules for hospitals and labs. This will likely lead to more testing and new types of travel rules.

For most people, this is a sign that the next health crisis will look different. We cannot rely on the tools of the past to fix the problems of the future.

WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW

1. How many people have already been sickened by these new types?
2. Which specific drugs still have a chance of working?
3. How long will it take to make a vaccine that works?