Ebola, Hantavirus, Diphtheria: How Distrust in Health Care Is Fueling Multiple Outbreaks Across the Globe

Ebola, hantavirus, diphtheria: How distrust in health care is fueling multiple outbreaks across the globe

The first half of 2026 has been marked by three different disease outbreaks: Ebola, hantavirus and, in Australia, diphtheria. Each has exposed vulnerabilities in how we detect, communicate and respond to infectious disease outbreaks.

Africa: Ebola, Hantavirus, Diphtheria - How Distrust in Health Care Is Fuelling Multiple Outbreaks Across the Globe

Analysis - The first half of 2026 has been marked by three different disease outbreaks: Ebola, hantavirus and, in Australia, diphtheria. Each has exposed vulnerabilities in how we detect, communicate and respond to infectious disease outbreaks.

How distrust in healthcare is fuelling multiple outbreaks across the globe

When communication from health officials weakens, and distrusting actors fill the gaps, everyone's health is put at risk.

Ebola, hantavirus, diphtheria: how distrust in health care is fuelling multiple outbreaks across the globe

The first half of 2026 has been marked by three different disease outbreaks: Ebola, hantavirus and, in Australia, diphtheria. Each has exposed vulnerabilities in how we detect, communicate and respond to infectious disease outbreaks. Each of these outbreaks has its unique challenges. But a common thread has been distrust in health care or a lack of information where misinformation has filled the vacuum. We’ve seen this play out in different ways…