A new year might mean new viral threats.
Old viruses are . A puts humans in contact with more and different viruses. And increased mobility means that viruses can along with their human hosts.
As an , I’ll be keeping an eye on a few viruses in 2026 that could be poised to cause infections in unexpected places or in unexpected numbers.
Influenza A – on the cusp of a pandemic
Influenza A is a perennial threat. The virus infects a wide range of animals and has the ability to mutate rapidly. The most recent influenza pandemic – caused by the H1N1 subtype of influenza in 2009 – killed , and the virus continues to circulate today. This virus was often called because it originated in pigs in Mexico before circulating around the world.
Most recently, scientists have been monitoring the , or bird flu. This virus was in 1997; wild birds helped spread the virus around the world. In 2024, the virus was found for the first time in and subsequently became .
The from birds to mammals created major concern that it could become adapted to humans. Studies suggest there have already been .
In 2026, scientists will continue to look for any evidence that H5N1 has changed enough to be – a necessary step for the start of a new influenza pandemic. The influenza vaccines currently on the market probably don’t offer protection from H5N1, but scientists are that would be effective against the virus.
Mpox – worldwide and liable to worsen
Mpox virus, formerly called monkeypox virus, was . For many decades, it was seen rarely, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa. Contrary to its original name, the virus mostly infects rodents and occasionally .
Mpox is closely related to smallpox, and infection results in a that can last for weeks. There are , including a generally more severe clade I and a milder clade II. A vaccine for mpox is available, but there are no effective treatments.
In 2022, a spread to more than 100 countries that had never seen the virus before. This outbreak was driven by human-to-human transmission of the virus through close contact, often via sex.
While the number of mpox cases has significantly declined since the 2022 outbreak, around the world. Several countries in central Africa have also reported an since 2024. Since August 2025, , including in people who did not travel to Africa.
It is unclear how mpox outbreaks in the U.S. and abroad will continue to evolve in 2026.
Oropouche virus – insect-borne and poised to spread
Oropouche virus was on the island of Trinidad off the coast of South America. The virus is carried by mosquitoes and small .
Most people with the virus experience . The illness usually lasts just a few days, but some patients have weakness that can persist for weeks. The after someone has initially recovered.
There are many unanswered questions about the Oropouche virus and the disease it causes, and there are no specific treatments or vaccines. For decades, infections in people were thought to occur only in the Amazon region. However, beginning in the early 2000s, cases began to show up in a larger area of . Cases in the United States are usually among travelers returning from abroad.
In 2026, Oropouche outbreaks will likely continue to affect travelers in the Americas. The biting midge that carries Oropouche virus is found throughout North and South America, including the southeastern United States. The could continue to expand.
Even more viral threats
A number of other viruses pose a risk in 2026.
Continuing may affect travelers, some of whom may want to consider getting vaccinated for this disease.
in the U.S. and globally against the backdrop of .
, despite the availability of effective treatments, due to .
And as-yet-undiscovered viruses can always emerge in the future as around the world.
Around the world, people, animals and the wider environment are . Vigilance for known and emerging viral threats and the development of new vaccines and treatments can help keep everyone safe.
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