Enhance surveillance and rapid response capabilities for emerging infectious diseases.
Pandemics
Pandemics Risk
Assessment for this date
Today's pandemic risk is high due to ongoing measles outbreaks, avian flu in poultry, and MERS cases in Saudi Arabia, compounded by public distrust in health agencies and vaccine misinformation.
October 19, 2025
Trend
Viewing the record for October 19, 2025 within the full trend.
Risk Drivers
What is pushing the current reading.
The current global health landscape is marked by multiple infectious disease threats, including a significant measles outbreak in South Carolina, ongoing avian flu cases in poultry across several US states, and new MERS cases in Saudi Arabia. These outbreaks highlight the persistent risk of infectious diseases and the challenges in containment and surveillance. Additionally, public distrust in health agencies and misinformation about vaccines, particularly regarding COVID-19, exacerbate the situation by hindering effective public health responses and vaccination efforts. This combination of active outbreaks and systemic challenges underscores a high pandemic risk level.
Risk Reduction Actions
Priority actions generated from the current analysis.
Increase public awareness campaigns to combat vaccine misinformation and promote vaccination.
Strengthen communication with patients about the safety and efficacy of vaccines, especially for vulnerable populations.
Support community-based initiatives to improve vaccine access and education in underserved areas.
Coordinate global efforts to monitor and respond to cross-border infectious disease threats.
Sources Monitored
Visible feeds used in this category's nightly run.
Selected Articles
Supporting articles referenced in the latest score.
- Three large turkey farms in Minnesota hit with H5N1 avian flu
- Saudi Arabia confirms 9 MERS cases, including hospital cluster
- WHO reports 4 more MERS cases from Saudi Arabia
- Poll finds low public confidence in federal vaccine policy changes
- South Carolina measles outbreak grows to 15 cases: Health officials - ABC News Publisher: Breaking News, Latest News and Videos