Ebola virus, hantavirus and the pathogen that causes Covid-19 likely jumped from animals to humans. So do these viruses — and scientists say climate change is speeding their spread.

Researchers are studying rare diseases in South America to better understand how pandemics begin. These illnesses, often found in remote regions, provide crucial insights into viral transmission between species.

Scientists emphasize that climate change plays a major role in expanding the geographic range of disease-carrying animals. As temperatures rise and habitats shift, the likelihood of human exposure to novel pathogens increases significantly.

Understanding these patterns helps public health experts prepare for future outbreaks. By monitoring animal populations and tracking environmental changes, researchers hope to predict and prevent the next global pandemic before it emerges.