No, this is not some random YouTube video, it’s reality. As 2025 unfolds, the world grapples with at least five significant public health challenges, compounded by the emergence of novel and more transmissible variants of COVID-19 … as if one virus was not enough. However, experts caution that the United States, traditionally a global leader in public health, appears ill-prepared to confront these multifaceted threats.

The specter of the US withdrawal from the global health community looms large as President-elect Donald Trump assumes office. During his first term, Trump withdrew from the World Health Organization.

In a media briefing on January 10, hosted by Ethnic Media Services, a panel of speakers expressed grave concerns that he may repeat this action in his second term as well as delved into some new viruses we should be looking out for.

Speakers

  • Dr. Nahid Bhadelia, founding director of the Center on Emerging Infectious Diseases at Boston University
  • Dr. Peter Chin Hong, infectious diseases specialist, University of California, San Francisco
  • Dr. Benjamin Neuman, Professor of Biology, Texas A&M University
  • Dr. Maurice Pitesky, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis
  • Dr. William Schaffner, Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.

Dr. Nahid Bhadelia emphasized the profound impact of this potential withdrawal. She stated, “This affects our ability to be part of the global security framework. WHO serves as a vehicle through which countries can participate and share data. And if we withdraw from that, this is at our own peril to miss out from that global community.”

Bhadelia highlighted the US’s previous leadership in addressing global health crises, particularly the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), established by former President George W. Bush in 2003. PEPFAR has since been implemented in over 50 countries and has made a remarkable impact, saving 25 million lives by providing access to HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention services.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, President Joe Biden’s administration revived the QUAD Alliance, a collaborative effort between Australia, India, China, and the US. The alliance aimed to procure 1.2 billion doses of vaccines manufactured in India and distribute them to countries in dire need.

Bhadelia expressed her hope that the Trump Administration would recognize the advantages of the QUAD relationship. She emphasized the significance of staying informed about global public health challenges, as she often says, “What circulates in Congo today could be in Colorado tomorrow.”

Another pressing public health concern highlighted by the panelists was the alarming rise in human influenza. On January 3, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a report indicating a 20% increase in influenza cases compared to the previous year.

Dr. Peter Chin-Hong expressed concern about the potential impact of the anti-science movement on public health. He warned that people may not fully utilize the available tools and resources to combat the pandemic.

Dr. Benjamin Neuman emphasized the threat posed by under-vaccination, noting a significant decline in the uptake of non-compulsory vaccinations. He cautioned that this could lead to the erosion of the herd immunity that has protected us since the mid-1900s.

Amidst the devastating wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles County, completely destroying numerous towns and resulting in at least 16 fatalities, the panelists also expressed concern about the consequences of climate change on public health.

HMPV

This virus has seen a concerning surge in cases in Asian countries like China, India, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan. However, it’s important to note that the disease isn’t new and has been circulating for several decades. While some countries, including the US, experience a seasonal spike, Chinese public health authorities have stated that the current surge is within normal winter fluctuations. Therefore, there’s no reason to believe that human metapneumovirus will cause a global pandemic.

Norovirus

Commonly referred to as the “winter vomiting disease,” Norovirus is highly contagious and can be transmitted through close personal contact, contaminated environments, and even raw shellfish. Handwashing with soap and water is the most effective way to prevent norovirus infection. Unfortunately, a vaccine is still not available. Treatment involves gradually sipping clear liquids to restore fluid balance.

Oropouche

This is a lesser-known virus, has infected over 10,000 people in South America and 188 cases in the US, primarily associated with travel. This virus is transmitted through bites from midges, certain mosquitoes, and even sexual contact. In severe cases, it can lead to encephalitis or meningitis. While Chin-Hong doesn’t anticipate an outbreak in the US, he acknowledges the unprecedented surge in cases, particularly in South America and the Caribbean, which can be attributed to known factors like deforestation and climate change.

Mpox

Mpox, another emerging concern, has infected over 50,000 people in Africa and resulted in the tragic loss of 1,000 children under the age of 15. Like Oropouche, Mpox is also linked to climate change and deforestation. It can be transmitted through sexual contact or contact with animals. The first case of Mpox in the US was identified last November in the San Francisco Bay Area. In January, China reported the discovery of a more contagious strain of the virus, but Chin-Hong maintains that an outbreak in the US is unlikely.

Avian Flu

Also known as bird flu and transmitted through the H5N1 virus, is experiencing a concerning rise across six continents, as reported by Dr. Maurice Pitesky. This highly contagious virus has been found in both wild and domesticated birds and animals, and unfortunately, it has also made its way into humans.

Pitesky highlighted that avian flu is endemic in North America and has significantly expanded over the past three years, affecting various species, geographical regions, the economy, and food security. He emphasized the need for improved surveillance systems, particularly for workers at high risk, such as dairy and poultry workers, who may be hesitant to report their illnesses due to concerns about potential repercussions.

Furthermore, Pitesky underscored the potential for human-to-human transmission of the virus if it continues to evolve and mutate, given the inadequate surveillance measures in place.

Neuman then delved into the emergence of a new and more virulent subvariant of Covid-19, known as XEC, and its impact on the current vaccination landscape.

 

Images provided by Ethnic Media Services.