Wenqing Zhang

Dr. Wenqing Zhang is a prominent epidemiologist and the head of the Global Respiratory Threats Unit at the World Health Organization (WHO). She is recognized for her expertise in managing and analyzing respiratory viruses, including influenza. Recently, she was in the news for announcing the rapid spread of a new genetic subclade of the AH3N2 virus, known as J.2.4.1, which has been detected in over 30 countries since its first identification in August 2025. Dr. Zhang emphasized the importance of ongoing surveillance and vaccination efforts to mitigate the impact of evolving influenza strains on public health.