TOTAL VOLUME:
$97.2b
24H VOL:
$177,903,386
24H TRANSACTIONS:
950,106,883
OPEN INTEREST:
$2,049,845,057
824,617
Markets across
14,701
events
MATCHED EVENTS:
899
PLATFORM COVERAGE:
5
Polymarket:
45%
VS.
Kalshi:
55%
chance
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This market tracks whether the World Health Organization will declare any disease a pandemic during 2026. The probability of a new pandemic occurring in 2026 stands at 5.5% on Polymarket, with resolution determined by official WHO announcements. Watch for any WHO pandemic declarations throughout the calendar year 2026, as the betting period closes on December 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET.
This market will resolve to "Yes" if the World Health Organization (WHO) declares any disease a pandemic between January 1, 2026 and December 31, 2026 11:59 PM ET. Otherwise, this market will resolve to "No". The resolution source will be official announcements from the World Health Organization.
Prediction market odds reflect the aggregated beliefs of traders betting real money, whereas analyst forecasts typically come from epidemiologists, public health institutions, and risk assessment firms using statistical models and historical data. Markets price in current geopolitical tensions, disease surveillance improvements, and emerging pathogen threats dynamically. Analyst forecasts may be more conservative or based on longer-term trend analysis. The prediction market for New pandemic in 2026 offers a real-time, incentive-driven alternative to traditional expert opinion, though both approaches have distinct strengths in capturing pandemic risk.
On Polymarket, the New pandemic in 2026 event is priced at 6.0% probability, meaning traders assess roughly a 6.0% chance of a new pandemic occurring in 2026. On Polymarket, prices reflect that venue's order book, liquidity, and how traders price the outcome right now. The price is determined by supply and demand: as more traders buy YES shares, the odds rise; as they sell, odds fall. This continuous auction mechanism reflects real-time market sentiment about pandemic risk. Traders can enter or exit positions at any time before the market closes on Dec 31, 2026, with the final price at resolution determining payouts.
The New pandemic in 2026 market resolves on Dec 31, 2026, marking the end of the trading period and the determination of the final outcome. At that point, the market will settle based on whether the specified pandemic criteria have been met during the calendar year 2026. Resolution depends on official declarations and data from recognized health authorities and epidemiological sources. Traders should monitor developments throughout 2026 and review the market's resolution criteria carefully to understand what events or thresholds will trigger a YES or NO outcome.
Several catalysts could shift odds for New pandemic in 2026. Emergence of novel pathogens with pandemic potential, disease outbreaks crossing international borders, or WHO alerts would likely increase probability. Conversely, successful vaccine development, improved surveillance systems, or containment of emerging threats could lower odds. Geopolitical instability, climate events, or reports of zoonotic spillover risks may also influence trader sentiment. Scientific publications on pathogen monitoring, seasonal flu severity, and biosecurity measures will be closely watched. Market prices will react dynamically to news flow, making this a real-time gauge of collective pandemic risk perception.
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