Scientists map 239 human-infective RNA viruses to track future outbreak risks

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20260426/Scientists-map-239-human-infective-RNA-viruses-to-track-future-outbreak-risks.aspx?utm_source=news_medical_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=dermatology_newsletter_29_april_2026 A new global dataset of 239 human-infective RNA viruses shows how animal hosts, vector transmission, surveillance gaps, and viral traits shape the path from spillover to epidemic threat. A recent review published in the journal Scientific Data presents an updated global catalog that brings the number of ribonucleic acid (RNA) viruses known to infect humans to 239 species, 25 more than in 2018, offering new insight into emergence and spread.