Increase funding for vaccine research and development to address emerging influenza and coronavirus strains.
Pandemics
Pandemics Risk
Assessment for this date
Today's pandemic risk is high due to significant flu and measles outbreaks, alongside persistent COVID-19 challenges and emerging threats like avian flu and MERS.
October 12, 2025
Trend
Viewing the record for October 12, 2025 within the full trend.
Risk Drivers
What is pushing the current reading.
The current global health landscape is marked by multiple concurrent infectious disease threats. Japan is experiencing a severe flu outbreak with over 4,000 hospitalizations, highlighting the potential for rapid pathogen spread and healthcare system strain. In the US, measles cases have surged to the highest levels in 25 years, exacerbated by vaccine misinformation and declining public confidence in vaccine policies. Meanwhile, COVID-19 continues to pose risks with long-term health impacts and moderate vaccine efficacy against severe outcomes. Additionally, avian flu and MERS cases are emerging, indicating potential for cross-species transmission and new outbreaks. These factors, combined with gaps in surveillance and public health response, underscore a high pandemic risk level.
Risk Reduction Actions
Priority actions generated from the current analysis.
Enhance surveillance and rapid response capabilities for flu and measles outbreaks to prevent further spread.
Educate the public on the importance of vaccinations and counter misinformation to improve vaccine uptake.
Coordinate cross-border efforts to monitor and control avian flu and MERS outbreaks.
Promote informed consent and transparency in vaccine communications to rebuild public trust.
Sources Monitored
Visible feeds used in this category's nightly run.
Selected Articles
Supporting articles referenced in the latest score.
- Quick takes: More flu deaths in US kids, new chikungunya cases in France and Italy, new polio cases in 5 countries
- Saudi Arabia confirms 9 MERS cases, including hospital cluster
- New pandemic coming? Japan declares nationwide flu outbreak, over 4000 hospitalised Publisher: The Times of India
- Japan Declares Nationwide Flu Epidemic as Over 4,000 Cases Reported, Schools Closed Publisher: News On AIR
- Measles outbreak surges across US as yearly cases reach highest level in 25 years Publisher: Anadolu Ajansı