Increase public health campaigns to improve vaccine uptake and counter misinformation.
Pandemics
Pandemics Risk
Assessment for this date
Today's pandemic risk is moderate due to rising COVID-19 levels, new polio and measles outbreaks, and ongoing challenges with vaccine uptake and misinformation.
August 8, 2025
Trend
Viewing the record for August 8, 2025 within the full trend.
Risk Drivers
What is pushing the current reading.
The current situation reflects a moderate risk level due to several factors: a slight increase in COVID-19 cases in the US, new polio cases in multiple countries, and a measles outbreak in Michigan. Vaccine uptake remains a concern, with many Americans planning to skip the fall COVID booster, and misinformation continues to affect public trust in vaccines. Additionally, the termination of further work on a life-saving mRNA vaccine platform could impact future pandemic preparedness. Surveillance tools like wastewater detection are in place, but gaps in public health responsiveness and vaccine deployment persist.
Risk Reduction Actions
Priority actions generated from the current analysis.
Enhance surveillance and rapid response capabilities for emerging outbreaks, including polio and measles.
Encourage and facilitate vaccination, particularly in high-risk populations and underserved communities.
Support community education initiatives to build trust in vaccines and public health measures.
Continue developing and refining surveillance tools to predict and manage infectious disease outbreaks.
Sources Monitored
Visible feeds used in this category's nightly run.
Selected Articles
Supporting articles referenced in the latest score.
- KFF poll shows most Americans plan to skip fall COVID booster
- Quick Takes: US COVID uptick, new polio cases in 4 countries, measles outbreak in Michigan
- US COVID levels continue slight upward trend
- Cambodia announces 15th human H5N1 infection of the year
- Quick takes: More H5N1 in dairy cattle, US COVID wastewater uptick, polio in Pakistan