The 3 viruses that pose the biggest threat in 2026, according to disease expert

In early 2026, health experts have identified three viral threats that pose significant risks to global health: Influenza A (H5N1), Mpox, and the Oropouche virus. Patrick Jackson, an infectious diseases expert at the University of Virginia, notes that factors such as climate change, increased population density, and global mobility are accelerating the emergence and spread of these pathogens. Influenza A (H5N1), or bird flu, is being closely monitored for human-to-human adaptation after spreading extensively among wild birds and cattle. Mpox continues to evolve, with new recombinant strains (clades Ib and IIb) appearing in travelers. Finally, the Oropouche virus, transmitted by biting midges, is expanding its geographic range across the Americas and has recently been detected in the UK for the first time. There are currently no specific vaccines for Oropouche, and its impact on pregnant women is a particular concern.