The development and potential application of nanotechnology tools for single-virus particle detection by emergent nanotechnology is likely to revolutionise diagnosis and determining treatment endpoints for life threatening virus infections. Direct detection of biological macromolecules using semiconducting nanowires or carbon nanotubes for electrical field change measurements is a milestone application in this field. The promise of selective detection at a single particle level (stochastic sensing) with nanowire or nanotube field-effect transistor-based devices is a major breakthrough for outbreak situations, where a rapid and specific detection of the viral agent allows intervention at public health level. The same technology would be eminently suitable for bedside diagnosis and therapeutic intervention.