Cartoon: Pandemic panic

Kayla Huang, Staff Writer • May 27, 2026

Hantavirus has become a growing public concern as people continue to fear the possibility of another global pandemic after COVID-19. According to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, experts warn that while hantavirus is currently rare, environmental changes, increased human contact with rodents, and global interconnectedness could increase the risk of future outbreaks. According to the National Library of Medicine, hantavirus infections can cause severe respiratory illness with high fatality rates, showing how dangerous zoonotic diseases can become when humans underestimate them. According to NPR reports on hantavirus and pandemic fears, public fear of hantavirus has increased because many people still carry emotional and psychological trauma from the COVID-19 pandemic, causing new disease outbreaks to spread fear rapidly through media coverage and social discussion. This editorial cartoon encourages audiences to stay informed through science and facts rather than panic, while also recognizing the importance of public health awareness and preparedness. (Kayla Huang).

About the Contributor

Kayla Huang

Kayla Huang, Staff Writer

Kayla Huang (Class of 2028) is a sophomore at Carlmont, and this is her first year of writing for Scot Scoop. She takes several leadership roles in school clubs such as Genesis Club and Key Club. She enjoys listening to music and hanging out with friends. Outside of school, you can find her in the lab running experiments.