New, rare diseases made their mark in 2024
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New and rare infections were a common source of some of our most popular stories in 2024.
Travelers returned to the United States with uncommon infections, such as Lassa fever from West Africa and Oropouche virus, an infection endemic in the Amazon. Bird flu emerged in cattle and people.
In addition to its ongoing mpox outbreak, the Democratic Republic of the Congo encountered a disease of “unknown origin” affecting children.
Below are nine selected stories about new, rare and reemerging diseases that we reported on this year.
Flu-like disease of ‘unknown origin’ kills dozens in DRC, health authorities report
An unknown illness that causes influenza-like symptoms left dozens of people in the DRC dead and hundreds sick. Read more.
First Alaskapox death reported; officials say residents ‘shouldn’t be overly concerned’
Alaska health officials announced the first death caused by Alaskapox, an orthopoxvirus that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Read more.
CDC: Bird flu infections going undetected in farm workers
Although person-to-person transmission has not been detected, an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza spread from birds to dairy cows, and both have spread it to humans. Read more.
Iowa resident dies of Lassa fever after returning from West Africa, officials say
A person who traveled to West Africa died after developing symptoms of Lassa fever when they returned home. It was the ninth travel-related case of the infection in the U.S. since 1969. Read more.
Rwanda confirms its first Marburg virus outbreak
Although the deadly and rare disease has been reported in other countries in Africa, Rwanda had its first outbreak of the severe hemorrhagic virus that is spread by bats. Read more.
Bat sanctuary worker infected with novel poxvirus
A woman who volunteered at a Tel Aviv University captive bat colony was bit by an Egyptian fruit bat, developing influenza-like symptoms and painful lesions linked to the previously unknown Israel Rousettus aegyptiacus pox virus. Read more.
Oropouche virus confirmed in US travelers returning from Cuba
Oropouche virus, spread by fly and mosquito bites, is endemic to the Amazon. but cases have been reported in South America, Central America and the Caribbean in the last 12 months. Read more.
New Hampshire reports death from EEE as five states see new cases
Multiple states reported cases of eastern equine encephalitis this past summer before enacting plans to spray for mosquitoes and asking residents to take precautions. Read more.
Biologist contracts tularemia from seal in first-of-its-kind case
A wildlife biologist in Washington nicked her finger with a scalpel while performing a necropsy on a harbor seal found dead along South Puget Sound, developing an inflamed and painful would, as well as other symptoms of infection. Read more.
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