Could Old Viruses Pose a Bigger Threat in 2026?

News Desk 

Islamabad: Health experts are cautioning that the major infectious disease risks in 2026 may not come from a new virus, but from older pathogens that are now evolving to become more potent.

According to specialists, climate change, increased global travel, and closer contact between humans and animals are reviving viruses once considered under control. Many countries, they warn, remain unprepared for sudden outbreaks.

At the top of experts’ lists is Influenza A, a virus known for rapid mutation and the ability to infect birds, animals, and humans. 

The 2009 swine flu pandemic, which caused millions of deaths worldwide, remains a stark reminder of its potential impact. Currently, bird flu is of particular concern, as it has spread from birds to other animals—and in some areas, even to poultry—raising fears of a new global outbreak if the virus begins transmitting easily between humans. 

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Experts note that existing vaccines may not offer complete protection.

Another virus drawing attention is mpox (formerly known as monkeypox). Once largely confined to Africa, it has spread globally since 2022 and is now capable of human-to-human transmission, with more virulent strains emerging in some regions. Specialists predict that new waves of mpox could hit in 2026.

Additionally, the Zika virus, transmitted by mosquitoes and other small insects, has already spread across Latin America and the Caribbean. Experts warn that climate change could push it into new areas, further increasing the risk of outbreaks.

Other concerns include the resurgence of chickenpox in some regions, measles due to low vaccination coverage, and a potential rise in HIV cases in countries with weaker health systems.

Experts emphasize that preventing outbreaks requires timely preparation and robust disease surveillance systems. “In today’s interconnected world, viruses do not respect borders. Protecting public health is not the responsibility of a single nation—it is a collective global duty,” they said.