Three viruses an infectious disease expert says could pose risks in 2026

Patrick Jackson, an infectious disease expert writing for The Conversation, identified influenza A (including concerns about H5N1), mpox, and Oropouche virus as three viruses to watch in 2026; he noted scientists are monitoring H5N1 for any change toward human-to-human spread and working on vaccines.

An infectious diseases physician and researcher wrote that three viruses deserve attention in 2026 because old viruses continue to evolve and environmental and social changes bring humans into contact with different pathogens. The expert, Patrick Jackson of the University of Virginia, flagged influenza A, mpox, and Oropouche virus in a piece for The Conversation. He described factors such as animal-to-human crossover and increased global mobility as reasons for ongoing surveillance. The article reports that scientists and public health agencies are watching these viruses and working on relevant vaccines and studies. Key points: - Influenza A and H5N1: The expert noted influenza A remains a long-term concern and highlighted H5N1 (avian influenza) as especially watched after detections in dairy cattle in the U.S. in 2024; scientists are monitoring for any evidence that H5N1 has changed enough to spread between people and are developing targeted vaccines. - Mpox: The article reports that mpox (formerly monkeypox) remains established in many places, with clade II widespread and an increase in clade I cases reported in central Africa since 2024; a small number of clade I cases have been identified in the U.S. and the UK since 2025. - Oropouche virus: Described as an insect-borne virus found in parts of the Americas, the expert noted travel-associated cases have been reported in the U.S. and Europe (including the UK) and that the insect vectors are present across much of the Americas, so the virus’s range could continue to change. Summary: Scientists and public health agencies are maintaining surveillance of influenza A (including H5N1), mpox, and Oropouche virus and are studying changes in transmission and vaccine options. Undetermined at this time.