Emerging henipaviruses and future pandemic preparedness: diagnostic delays, zoonotic spillover, and One Health challenges.

Abstract

Henipaviruses are among the most concerning emerging zoonotic pathogens because of their high mortality rates, neurological involvement, broad host range, and outbreak potential. This mini review discusses diagnostic limitations, outbreak amplification, zoonotic spillover, surveillance fragmentation, and future pandemic preparedness strategies associated with Nipah, Hendra, and Langya henipaviruses. Unlike previous reviews mainly focused on descriptive virology and epidemiology, this review emphasizes diagnostic preparedness, surveillance weaknesses, outbreak amplification mechanisms, and future One Health response strategies. Current evidence suggests that delayed diagnosis, fragmented surveillance systems, environmental disruption, and limited rapid diagnostic capacities continue to increase future spillover risks. Strengthening One Health preparedness frameworks, rapid diagnostics, genomic surveillance, and international collaboration remains essential for reducing future pandemic threats.