Daily Star: Disease X could trigger a pandemic in 2026

Four viruses - monkeypox, rubella, avian influenza, and Oropouche fever - could trigger the emergence of an unknown pathogen "X," capable of causing a new global pandemic as early as 2026. Foreign experts are warning about this, pointing to a sharp decline in vaccination rates and active virus mutations.

As reported by BAKU.WS with reference to aif.ru, Michael Head, a research fellow in global health at the University of Southampton's Faculty of Medicine, stated that infections are increasing worldwide. According to him, monkeypox outbreaks continue in many countries, including European states, and the emergence of new strains indicates that this previously rare virus has become a global threat.

The expert also expressed concern about the possible return of rubella. The disease was previously considered almost defeated, but the level of MMR vaccine use (against measles, mumps, and rubella) has decreased to minimum values over the past 15 years.

Ed Hutchinson, Professor of Molecular and Cellular Virology at the University of Glasgow, noted that the H5N1 avian influenza virus is actively mutating and is already capable of being transmitted from birds to mammals, including cows. This increases the risk of infection spreading through animal products, including milk.

According to him, as long as H5N1 continues to circulate and infect people, it remains a potential source of a new pandemic. Despite the availability of antiviral drugs and technologies for rapid vaccine development, an outbreak of a new influenza strain could lead to serious consequences.

A separate threat is posed by the Oropouche virus, transmitted to humans through the bites of infected midges. It manifests within eight days and has symptoms similar to dengue fever and the Zika virus. University of Virginia Professor Jackson noted that in 2026, outbreaks of the disease may continue to concern travelers in North and South America, and the virus's distribution area could expand.

The authors of the material emphasize that each of these viruses could theoretically lead to the emergence of pathogen "X" - previously unknown and potentially extremely dangerous for humanity.