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Abstract: 

Which viruses are most likely to threaten public health in the coming year? Infectious disease specialist Patrick Jackson surveys the pathogens that deserve the closest attention in 2026, explaining why familiar viruses remain capable of producing unexpected outbreaks and even future pandemics. From the pandemic potential of H5N1 avian influenza and the continued global spread of mpox to the expanding range of Oropouche virus and the resurgence of measles, the article examines how globalization, environmental change, declining vaccination rates, and human-animal interactions are reshaping infectious disease risks. This accessible overview places today's outbreaks in a broader public health context and highlights why continued surveillance, vaccination, and preparedness remain essential against both known and emerging viral threats.

Keywords: Emerging Viruses; Pandemic Preparedness; Avian Influenza; Mpox; Measles; Infectious Disease

Affiliations:  1: University of Virginia.