Increase funding and support for public health infrastructure to manage and contain outbreaks effectively.
Pandemics
Pandemics Risk
Assessment for this date
Today's pandemic risk is high due to increasing COVID-19 activity, a severe cholera outbreak in Sudan, and a deadly Legionnaires' disease outbreak in New York City.
August 15, 2025
Trend
Viewing the record for August 15, 2025 within the full trend.
Risk Drivers
What is pushing the current reading.
The current situation is marked by a resurgence of COVID-19 cases in the US, with a notable increase in activity and a concerning level of vaccine hesitancy, particularly among children. Additionally, the cholera outbreak in Sudan, exacerbated by ongoing conflict, poses significant public health challenges. The Legionnaires' disease outbreak in New York City highlights vulnerabilities in urban infrastructure and public health response. These factors, combined with the global spread of other infectious diseases such as MERS and avian flu, underscore the heightened risk of infectious disease outbreaks. The discontinuation of work on mRNA vaccine platforms could further hinder rapid response capabilities in the future.
Risk Reduction Actions
Priority actions generated from the current analysis.
Enhance surveillance and diagnostic capabilities to quickly identify and respond to emerging infectious diseases.
Launch targeted vaccination campaigns to address vaccine hesitancy and improve coverage, especially among children.
Provide aid and support to countries like Sudan facing severe outbreaks exacerbated by conflict.
Continue to develop and refine vaccine technologies, including mRNA platforms, to ensure preparedness for future pandemics.
Sources Monitored
Visible feeds used in this category's nightly run.
Selected Articles
Supporting articles referenced in the latest score.
- US COVID activity gains more steam
- US COVID activity gains more steam
- Sudan cholera outbreak kills 40 in a week as health centres overwhelmed Publisher: The Guardian
- Sudan Hit by Its ‘Worst Cholera Outbreak’ in Years, Medical Charity Says Publisher: The New York Times
- Central Harlem Legionnaires' outbreak: 3 dead, 90 diagnosed with Legionnaires' Disease, NYC Health Department says Publisher: ABC7 New York