Increase funding and support for public health surveillance systems to better track and respond to emerging infectious diseases.
Pandemics
Viewed record
Moderate Risk
History
338 daily observations
Method
Curated sources and AI scoring
Pandemics Risk
3.8 / 5
Moderate Risk
-0.4 from previous reading
Assessment for this date
Today's pandemic risk is moderate due to rising flu, RSV, and measles cases, alongside persistent COVID-19 impacts and vaccine hesitancy.
Record date
December 28, 2025
Trend
Viewing the record for December 28, 2025 within the full trend.
Risk Drivers
What is pushing the current reading.
The current pandemic risk is influenced by a combination of factors including the resurgence of flu and RSV activity in the US and Europe, ongoing measles outbreaks, and the persistent impact of COVID-19, particularly in terms of long-term health effects and mortality rates in hospitalized patients. Vaccine hesitancy and misinformation continue to pose significant challenges, as seen in declining vaccination rates and public distrust in health agencies. Additionally, the emergence of new infectious threats such as avian flu in humans and the potential for zoonotic spillovers highlight the need for vigilant surveillance and responsive public health measures.
Risk Reduction Actions
Priority actions generated from the current analysis.
Enhance public education campaigns to address vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, emphasizing the safety and efficacy of vaccines.
Collaborate with international health organizations to strengthen global health security and preparedness for potential pandemics.
Accelerate the development and distribution of vaccines and treatments for emerging infectious diseases, including universal flu vaccines.
Implement targeted vaccination campaigns in regions with low uptake to prevent outbreaks of preventable diseases like measles.
Sources Monitored
Visible feeds used in this category's nightly run.
Selected Articles
Supporting articles referenced in the latest score.
- Study finds that despite broad COVID vaccine availability, COVID still deadlier than flu in hospitalized patients
- Flu, RSV activity rising in US and Europe, with major UK surge in flu cases
- US measles outbreak tops 1,800 cases as respiratory illness surveillance returns
- US measles outbreak tops 1,800 cases as respiratory illness surveillance returns
- US COVID, flu, and RSV levels low but rising in many regions
- Europe, Australia report low flu vaccine uptake as flu activity soars Down Under
- New avian flu outbreaks reported in 5 states
- First ever human case of H5N5 avian flu confirmed in Washington state
- ‘It’s completely out of control’: Scientists warn bird flu could spark a human pandemic in 2026 Publisher: BBC Science Focus Magazine