Increase funding for public health surveillance and rapid response teams to monitor and control infectious disease outbreaks.
Pandemics
Pandemics Risk
Assessment for this date
The current pandemic risk is high due to rising COVID-19 cases, persistent long COVID issues, and increasing threats from other infectious diseases like H5N1 and measles.
August 23, 2025
Trend
Viewing the record for August 23, 2025 within the full trend.
Risk Drivers
What is pushing the current reading.
The upward trend in COVID-19 cases in the US, coupled with the potential for long COVID symptoms and the financial impact on survivors, indicates a sustained public health challenge. Additionally, the resurgence of other infectious diseases such as H5N1 avian flu and measles, along with the emergence of MERS cases, highlights the multifaceted nature of current global health threats. Vaccine deployment and public health responses are being challenged by misinformation and changing policies, which could hinder efforts to control these outbreaks. Surveillance gaps and the need for rapid vaccine development and deployment remain critical in addressing these threats.
Risk Reduction Actions
Priority actions generated from the current analysis.
Enhance public awareness campaigns to promote vaccination and counter misinformation about vaccines.
Accelerate research and development of vaccines and treatments for emerging infectious diseases, including H5N1 and MERS.
Support community-based health education programs to improve understanding and compliance with public health measures.
Facilitate global cooperation and resource sharing to strengthen pandemic preparedness and response capabilities.
Sources Monitored
Visible feeds used in this category's nightly run.
Selected Articles
Supporting articles referenced in the latest score.
- US COVID markers continue upward trend
- COVID reinfection may raise risk of persistent symptoms by 35%
- Cambodia announces 15th human H5N1 infection of the year
- Saudi Arabia confirms 9 MERS cases, including hospital cluster
- Threat assessment brief: Measles on the rise in the EU/EEA Publisher: Considerations for public health response