Beware of Disease X, Experts Identify Viruses that Will Threaten in 2026

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JAKARTA - Even though the COVID-19 pandemic has passed, the term Disease X is still reappearing which must still be watched by the world community. Moreover, some viruses currently have the potential to spread widely and unexpectedly throughout 2026.

An infectious disease expert, Patrick Jackson, said the combination of global warming and high human mobility accelerates human encounters with new viruses.

With that, Patrick reminded that vigilance against new and old virus threats must still be carried out. Vaccine development must also continue to be carried out to maintain global public health.

"Vigilance against new and old virus threats, as well as vaccine development, is the key to keeping us all safe in 2026," Patrick said, quoted from The Conversation, Saturday, February 7, 2026.

The following are some of the viruses that are the main focus of experts in 2026.

1. Influenza A (H5 Avian Flu)

This virus has become a serious concern after it was first discovered in dairy cows in the United States and began infecting humans. Until early 2026, health authorities recorded cases of infection in livestock workers, including cases of death.

Although at present the risk to the general public is considered low because there has been no human-to-human transmission, experts are still concerned that the virus could mutate in the future.

"The ability of this virus to infect various species is a sign of a dangerous pathogen that can trigger a pandemic," said epidemiologist Derek Cummings.

2. New Mpox variant

Mpox or monkey pox is still a real threat. Especially with the emergence of the Klade Ib variant which spreads faster, which started to break out in Africa, it is now beginning to be detected in the United States and Europe at the end of 2025.

This virus can cause fever and a very painful skin rash. Although vaccines are available, there is no specific treatment to kill the virus after infecting the body.

3. Oropouche virus (sickness of the sloth)

The oropouche virus or sloth fever may still sound unfamiliar to the general public. This virus is transmitted through the bite of a small insect (agas) and has caused the first death in Brazil and has begun to enter Europe.

The worrying thing about this virus is that it is suspected to be transmissible from mother to fetus and is associated with cases of microcephaly (babies born with a small head). Until now, there is no specific vaccine or medicine that treats oropouche infections, so WHO has placed it on the priority research list.