Deploy rapid response teams to Ethiopia to contain the Marburg outbreak and prevent further spread.
Pandemics
Pandemics Risk
Assessment for this date
Today's pandemic risk is high due to concurrent outbreaks of Marburg virus in Ethiopia, avian flu in multiple US states, and a significant botulism outbreak linked to infant formula.
November 17, 2025
Trend
Viewing the record for November 17, 2025 within the full trend.
Risk Drivers
What is pushing the current reading.
The emergence of the Marburg virus in Ethiopia, a highly lethal pathogen with no available vaccine, poses a significant threat due to its potential for rapid spread and high mortality rate. Concurrently, the widespread avian flu outbreaks across the US, including in poultry and wild birds, increase the risk of zoonotic transmission to humans. Additionally, the botulism outbreak linked to infant formula raises concerns about food safety and the potential for widespread health impacts. These factors, combined with ongoing challenges in vaccine distribution and public health misinformation, contribute to a heightened global pandemic risk.
Risk Reduction Actions
Priority actions generated from the current analysis.
Enhance surveillance and biosecurity measures in poultry farms to control avian flu outbreaks.
Increase public awareness and safety checks for infant formula to prevent further botulism cases.
Support local health systems in affected regions with resources and training to manage outbreaks effectively.
Accelerate development of vaccines and treatments for emerging pathogens like Marburg and avian flu.
Sources Monitored
Visible feeds used in this category's nightly run.
Selected Articles
Supporting articles referenced in the latest score.
- Five new avian flu outbreaks confirmed in ducks, turkeys in 3 US states
- Ethiopia confirms outbreak of deadly Marburg virus: Africa CDC Publisher: RFI
- Ethiopia Confirms First Outbreak of Marburg Virus After Testing Publisher: Bloomberg.com
- Infant botulism outbreak tied to ByHeart baby formula rises to 23 cases across 13 states Publisher: WFAA
- Ethiopia confirms first outbreak of Marburg virus Publisher: Al Jazeera