Prepared by: Prof. Dr. Younis Abdul Redha Al-Khafaji<br />Introduction:<br />1. Mutated Influenza Strains<br />• New seasonal flu strains continue to emerge, with some showing resistance to current vaccines.<br />• A particularly resilient strain is raising concerns for children and the elderly.<br />2. Post-COVID Coronavirus Surveillance<br />• While COVID-19 is largely under control, coronaviruses remain a threat.<br />• Scientists are monitoring new variants that could cause severe respiratory illnesses.<br />3. Hemorrhagic Fevers<br />• Diseases like Ebola, Marburg, and Lassa fever are still spreading in parts of Africa and Asia.<br />• Global travel increases the risk of cross-border transmission.<br />4. Vector-Borne Viruses<br />• Dengue and Zika are spreading faster due to climate change and expanding mosquito habitats.<br />5. Nipah Virus & Zoonotic Threats<br />• Nipah virus outbreaks in South Asia are alarming due to high fatality rates.<br />• No widely available vaccine exists yet.<br />6. New Viruses Emerging in 2025<br />• China reported cases of a new respiratory virus called HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus).<br />• In the U.S., a “quad-demic” is unfolding: COVID-19, influenza, RSV, and norovirus are circulating simultaneously.<br />7. Rare VEXAS Syndrome<br />• Affects men more than women, causing fever, skin rashes, and joint pain.<br />• First cases were documented earlier this year.<br />8. Avian Influenza H5N1 Concerns<br />• Human cases of H5N1 have been reported in the U.S., especially among farm workers.<br />• A recent study warns that a single genetic mutation could make the virus transmissible between humans—raising fears of a future pandemic.<br /><br /> Al-Mustaqbal University the First in Iraq