Pandemics

The threat level is elevated due to multiple factors: flu and RSV cases are increasing in the US and Europe, with significant surges in the UK, while COVID-19 remains a serious concern with higher mortality rates in hospitalized patients and long-term health impacts such as long COVID. Vaccine uptake for respiratory diseases is declining, and misinformation is complicating public health efforts. Additionally, the emergence of avian flu in humans and ongoing measles outbreaks highlight vulnerabilities in disease surveillance and response systems. These factors collectively suggest a heightened risk of infectious disease spread and impact.