Infectious diseases are evolving rapidly. With changing climates, global travel, and increased human-animal interactions, new health threats continue to emerge. In 2025, several infectious diseases are raising serious concern globally and in India.

Let’s explore the Top 5 New Infectious Diseases You Should Know in 2025:

1: Langya Henipavirus (LayV) in 2025 – A Nipah-like Threat

• Discovered in China, Langya virus (LayV) is a newly identified zoonotic virus related to Nipah and Hendra viruses. It has affected farmers with animal exposure and is being closely watched.
• Symptoms: Fever, fatigue, cough, muscle pain, and low platelet counts.
• Transmission: Animal-to-human; shrews suspected reservoir. No confirmed human-to-human transmission yet [1].
• Why India Should Care: Past Nipah outbreaks in Kerala make LayV a priority for Indian health surveillance.

2: Candida auris in 2025 – Silent Killer in ICUs

• Candida auris, a fungus first identified in 2009, has evolved into a major drug-resistant pathogen in 2025, causing hospital outbreaks globally, including in India.
• Symptoms: Fever and sepsis, especially in patients on ventilators or catheters.
• Transmission: Through contact and contaminated hospital surfaces [2].
• Concerns in India: Detected in ICUs across multiple states; difficult to eradicate.

3: Alaskapox Virus – New Orthopoxvirus Alert

• The Alaskapox virus is a newly emerging Orthopoxvirus, first identified in Alaska and now observed to have limited human-to-human transmission.
• Symptoms: Rash, fever, lymph node swelling, fatigue.
• Transmission: Suspected spread from squirrels and small mammals [3].
• India’s Risk: Low population immunity to poxviruses and global travel could allow its introduction.

4: Chandipura Virus – A Deadly Indian Virus Re-Emerging

• Chandipura virus is a neurotropic virus primarily affecting Indian children. It’s carried by sandflies and causes acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) [4].
• Symptoms: Fever, seizures, vomiting, altered consciousness, coma.
• Transmission: Via sandfly bites in rural areas.
• Outbreaks in recent past: Detected in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan.

5: Oropouche Fever in 2025 – An Arboviral Disease on the Move

• Oropouche virus is an arbovirus transmitted by midges and mosquitoes. Although it originated in South America, cases are now being reported in Asia, including travellers returning to India [5].
• Symptoms: Sudden fever, severe headache, nausea, photophobia.
• Risk of Spread: India’s tropical climate and vector presence (like dengue) increase vulnerability.

🔎 Final Thoughts: Stay Informed to Stay Protected

New infectious diseases are knocking on our doors every year. In a country like India, where population density, sanitation challenges, and zoonotic interactions are common, we must:

• Follow updates from trusted agencies like CDC, WHO, ICMR or your government.
• Strengthen our hospital infection control protocols.
• Educate frontline workers and public health staff about early recognition and vector control.

Staying alert is our first defence against the unknown.

📚 References

1. Zhang X, et al. A Zoonotic Henipavirus in Febrile Patients in China. N Engl J Med. 2022;387(5):470–472.
2. Candida auris Clinical Update – 2024. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
3. Alaskapox Virus Cases – 2024. Emerging Infectious Diseases.
4. Mishra AC, et al. Chandipura virus: A threat to children in India. Indian J Med Res. 2023;158(4):553–559.
5. Vieira CJ et al. Oropouche fever: An emerging arbovirus in the Americas. Lancet Infect Dis. 2024;24(1):E21–E30.

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