Strengthen surveillance and rapid response systems for emerging infectious diseases, including Ebola and avian flu.
Pandemics
Pandemics Risk
Assessment for this date
Today's pandemic risk is high due to rising COVID-19 cases, new Ebola outbreaks, and increasing H5N1 avian flu activity, compounded by public health leadership challenges and vaccine misinformation.
September 5, 2025
Trend
Viewing the record for September 5, 2025 within the full trend.
Risk Drivers
What is pushing the current reading.
The current global health landscape is marked by several concerning developments. COVID-19 cases in the US are on the rise, with challenges in vaccine availability and public trust due to leadership changes and misinformation. Additionally, a new Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo poses a significant threat, especially with the health system's weakened state. The H5N1 avian flu is spreading in multiple regions, including new human cases in Cambodia and detections in the UK and US. These factors, combined with ongoing issues like the resurgence of measles and Legionnaires' disease, highlight significant gaps in public health responsiveness and preparedness, raising the overall pandemic risk level.
Risk Reduction Actions
Priority actions generated from the current analysis.
Enhance communication strategies to counter misinformation and improve public trust in vaccines.
Ensure equitable access to updated COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, particularly in underserved communities.
Coordinate global efforts to monitor and contain cross-border disease outbreaks, such as Ebola and avian flu.
Accelerate research and development of vaccines and therapeutics for emerging pathogens, leveraging new technologies.
Sources Monitored
Visible feeds used in this category's nightly run.
Selected Articles
Supporting articles referenced in the latest score.
- US COVID-19 levels continue to climb gradually
- US COVID markers continue upward trend
- DR Congo declares Ebola outbreak in Kasai province
- Virologist network reaffirms support for mRNA vaccine platform
- US poll finds shifting vaccine trust amid health agency overhauls
- CIDRAP's Vaccine Integrity Project names steering committee members
- Democratic Republic of Congo declares another Ebola outbreak after 15 deaths Publisher: Australian Broadcasting Corporation