Not that we didn’t have so much fun with the pandemic of 2020. 

It’s completely understandable if you feel like your threshold for talking about up-and-coming diseases is topped off. But the topic of emerging viruses continues to be front and center in global health conversations here in 2025 and for good reason. There are some new spins on some familiar viruses and rare infections that are starting to pop up more frequently. 

The goal? To stay informed about what’s on the radar without becoming alarmed. Staying up to date on what’s out there is a key part of caring for ourselves and our communities.

Here’s a look at what’s trending in public health, what’s fresh on the radar of medical experts, and what you can do as part of our health-conscious health share community.

🌍 What Are Emerging Diseases?

You might think of emerging diseases as illnesses we’ve never encountered before, like COVID-19 and its emergence onto the world stage. That’s certainly one example of an emerging disease. But the phrase ‘emerging diseases’ also encompasses diseases that have been known before but are rapidly increasing in the number of cases or in the expansion of a geographic area in which that disease is spreading. ‘Emerging diseases’ also refers to illnesses that are becoming drug-resistant, which means they are harder to treat. So to recap, emerging diseases area:

  • Newly discovered
  • Rapidly increasing in cases or geographic range
  • Becoming drug-resistant

There are different factors that contribute to the spread and range of illnesses. Today, health officials are especially watching for viruses and bacteria that are crossing borders due to travel, climate change, and changes in human and animal interactions. 1

🔬 What’s on the Rise This Year?

Here are the top three emerging diseases health authorities are monitoring:

1. Avian Influenza (H5N1) in Mammals

While avian flu (clinically known as H5N1) has been a known illness for several years now, in 2024 and the first half of 2025 scientists have seen H5N1 infections spreading from birds to mammals. This spread of the disease between species has even been seen in sea lions and in U.S. dairy cows. 2

The good news? The risk to humans is still considered low, and the CDC is closely monitoring the situation. As of this newsletter, there have been a few rare human cases of the avian flu reported among farm workers, but so far, there does not seem to have been continuous human-to-human transmission. 3 However, as a precaution, the CDC is closely monitoring the situation. 

Jeffrey Luban, professor of molecular medicine, biochemistry & molecular biotechnology at UMass Chan Medical School, says, “We’ve been monitoring the spread to humans, and most cases have been mild so far. There’s been no evidence of human-to-human transmission, but there has been human-to-cat spread, which suggests that humans can transmit the virus.”4

Avian flu has continued to morph and change in the years since its discovery. Today, in those rare cases that a human contracts the illness, it is typically not severe. “Over the last year in North America, we’ve seen a milder and more self-limited presentation. In more than 90 percent of cases, patients develop conjunctivitis, or pink eye, which is not uncommon in influenza, says Kathryn Stephenson, HMS associate professor of medicine and infectious disease expert at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. “Since 2022, there have been 70 human cases, and hospitalization has been very rare.”5

2. Drug-Resistant Fungal Infections (Candida auris)

What is Candida auris? The CDC explains it this way: “Candida auris is a type of yeast that can cause severe illness and spreads easily among patients in healthcare facilities. C. auris can cause a range of infections from superficial (skin) infections to more severe, life-threatening infections, such as bloodstream infections.”6

While in past years it typically was largely confined to hospitals, today the yeast Candida auris has continued to spread across a variety of U.S. healthcare settings.7 This fungus is concerning because it’s resistant to many antifungal medications and can cause serious infections in people with weakened immune systems. It’s important to note that Candida auris is usually not considered a risk to people who are healthy. But if you or a loved one experience symptoms while in the hospital or after visiting the doctor’s office, be sure to let your medical provider know. Symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Lethargy (extreme tiredness)
  • Low blood pressure
  • High heart rate (tachycardia)
  • Low body temperature (hypothermia)
  • Pain, pressure or feeling of fullness in your ear (C. auris ear infection)8

3. Mosquito-Borne Viruses in New Regions🦟

Sure, none of us like the itchy bump we get after being visited by a blood-sucking mosquito when we were just trying to enjoy a relaxing summer evening in the backyard. But mosquitos aren’t just a nuisance; they can also carry viruses. Unfortunately, thanks to shifting climates and warmer weather patterns, mosquitoes are spreading north, bringing viruses like dengue and chikungunya with them.9

Dengue and chikungunya are both viruses which can make you feel like you have a type of flu, with fever, aches and chills. In 2023, Florida and California reported local dengue transmission for the first time in over a decade—and 2025 is expected to bring higher numbers.

🛡️ What Can You Do?

For starters, remember that preparation, not panic, is the goal. There are plenty of proactive things you can do to reduce your risk. Check out these simple steps to help protect yourself and your family:

  • Strengthen your immune system. Eat well, hydrate, get enough sleep, and stay physically active.
  • Wash hands often and sanitize surfaces when you’re in public spaces.
  • Practice safe food handling, especially when cooking meat or eggs.
  • Avoid mosquito bites by wearing repellent and removing standing water around your home.
  • Support your gut health, which plays a huge role in your immunity (see our gut health article in this newsletter!).
  • Stay connected with Altrua HealthShare for telehealth check-ins, lab options, and wellness resources. (If you’re not currently a Member of Altrua HealthShare or have questions about your membership, contact us at Member Services by calling 1-888-244-3839.)

💬 And This Important Note from Altrua HealthShare and Altrua Ministries

As always, our approach to your health is grounded in proactive, faith-based stewardship of health, not fear. We pray for protection and peace, and we also believe in equipping our community with trustworthy information and shared wisdom. Our Altrua Ministries director, Heather Nanni, is available for prayer requests and shares encouragement to strengthen your faith.