90-Second Read: Ebola, Hantavirus, diphtheria: how distrust in health care is fuelling multiple outbreaks across the globe

Distrust in health care during infectious disease outbreaks can have devastating consequences. The first half of 2026 has been marked by three different disease outbreaks: Ebola, Hantavirus and, in Australia, diphtheria. These issues have hampered how cases of Ebola are identified, discouraged people to seek timely health care or to hide cases, and have undermined public health interventions. But a common thread has been distrust in health care or a lack of information where misinformation has filled the vacuum.

We've seen an example play out with the recent cruise ship Hantavirus outbreak. Several public health experts based in the United States have argued the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) was less visible, slower to communicate publicly and less internationally prominent than in previous outbreaks. But unlike an outbreak of Hantavirus, diphtheria can be prevented by vaccination. For example, in late May, we heard how some DRC residents set fire to a tent set up by the humanitarian group Médecins Sans Frontières for suspected and confirmed Ebola cases.

We've seen this play out in different ways across the globe, with devastating results. Distrust, rumours and misinformation have repeatedly emerged as major barriers to controlling Ebola. For example, past surveys of community members have identified misunderstandings about Ebola (including believing it's not real), about how people are diagnosed, and revealed low levels of trust in health care. For instance, when transparent public health messaging is delayed, rumours and speculation can quickly fill information vacuums.

The recent diphtheria outbreak in Australia is another example of how information vacuums can undermine an outbreak response. There have not been any Ebola cases in the country since its 2014 outbreak. For families to accept the safe burial practice, they must both trust the health-care providers implementing the protocols and the institutions directing the response.