An expert has named three viruses that could pose a serious threat to humans by 2026.
These bugs may be ‘ready’ to cause infections in ‘unexpected places or in unexpected numbers’.
Writing for The Conversation, Patrick Jackson, the assistant professor of infectious diseases at the University of Virginia, warned that the threat of widespread disease is ever-present.
He explained: “A new year can mean new viral threats. Old viruses are constantly evolving.”
Professor Jackson continued: “A warming and increasingly populated planet is bringing people into contact with more and more different viruses. And increased mobility means that viruses can travel quickly around the world along with their human hosts.”
“As an infectious disease physician and researcher, in 2026 I will be keeping an eye on some viruses that could cause infections in unexpected places or in unexpected numbers,” he added.
Flu A:
It is one of the four known types of flu. Influenza A viruses are the only type of flu known to lead to pandemics.
Mpox:
Professor Jackson said MPOX was “global and in danger of getting worse.” The virus, formerly known as monkeypox, actually mainly infects rodents and occasionally passes to humans.
“Mpox is closely related to smallpox, and infection results in fever and painful rash that can last for weeks,” he said, adding: “There are several variants of mpox, including a generally more severe clade I and a milder clade II.”
A vaccine against MPox is available, but there are currently no effective treatments.
Oropouche virus:
This is an insect-borne virus and, according to Professor Jackson, is on the verge of spreading, transmitted by mosquitoes and small biting midges.
Professor Jackson said: “Most people with the virus experience fever, headache and muscle aches. The illness usually only lasts a few days, but some patients have weakness that can last for weeks. The illness can also return after a person has initially recovered.”
