Viral outbreaks are always on the horizon – here are the viruses an infectious disease expert is watching in 2026

Viral infections are on the rise and spreading across the globe.

By: Patrick Jackson, University of Virginia, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: January 7, 2026

Words: 1,003

Last Updated: 2 days, 7 hours ago

By Patrick Jackson, University of Virginia

A new year might mean new viral threats.

Old viruses are constantly evolving. A warming and increasingly populated planet puts humans in contact with more and different viruses. And increased mobility means that viruses can rapidly travel across the globe along with their human hosts.

As an infectious diseases physician and researcher, I’ll be keeping an eye on a few viruses in 2026 that …

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