Increase funding for research and development of vaccines against emerging infectious diseases, including avian flu and new coronavirus strains.
Pandemics
Viewed record
High Risk
History
338 daily observations
Method
Curated sources and AI scoring
Pandemics Risk
4.2 / 5
High Risk
+0.4 from previous reading
Assessment for this date
Today's pandemic risk is high due to rising avian flu concerns, ongoing COVID-19 challenges, and increasing misinformation impacting vaccine uptake.
Record date
November 28, 2025
Trend
Viewing the record for November 28, 2025 within the full trend.
Risk Drivers
What is pushing the current reading.
The current pandemic risk is elevated primarily due to the potential threat posed by avian flu, which experts warn could lead to a pandemic worse than COVID-19 if the virus mutates. This is compounded by ongoing issues with COVID-19, including rising cases of long COVID and low vaccine uptake, partly due to misinformation. Additionally, the emergence of new coronavirus subspecies and the detection of MERS cases in Saudi Arabia further contribute to the heightened risk. These factors, combined with the economic toll of long COVID and the uneven effects of vaccine mandates, underscore the need for vigilant public health responses and improved surveillance systems.
Risk Reduction Actions
Priority actions generated from the current analysis.
Enhance surveillance and early detection systems for rapid response to potential outbreaks, especially in regions with rising avian flu and MERS cases.
Launch targeted campaigns to combat misinformation about vaccines and promote public confidence in vaccination programs.
Encourage and facilitate access to COVID-19 and flu vaccinations, particularly in communities with low uptake.
Coordinate global efforts to monitor and address cross-border infectious disease threats, ensuring equitable access to vaccines and treatments.
Sources Monitored
Visible feeds used in this category's nightly run.
Selected Articles
Supporting articles referenced in the latest score.
- Long COVID takes $1 trillion global economic toll each year, analysis suggests
- Saudi Arabia confirms 9 MERS cases, including hospital cluster
- Bird flu could cause pandemic worse than COVID if virus mutates: Institut Pasteur Publisher: The Japan Times
- France Warns Bird Flu Strain Could Be Deadlier Than COVID Publisher: The Daily Beast
- Bird flu virus could risk pandemic worse than COVID if it mutates, France's Institut Pasteur says Publisher: Reuters