From reactive to resilient: leveraging artificial intelligence for pandemic preparedness amid converging global threats

Two infectious agent outbreaks unfolding in May 2026 expose the fragility of pandemic preparedness. On 2 May, the World Health Organization (WHO) was notified of a hantavirus cluster aboard the MV Hondius, an Antarctic expedition cruise; by 8 May, Andes virus had been reported in eight cases, six of whom were laboratory confirmed, and three of whom died and contact tracing extended across 23 countries.1 By 26 May, the total had reached 13 cases (11 laboratory confirmed, 2 probable; case fatality ratio 23%).