Increase funding and support for public health campaigns to counter misinformation and promote vaccination.
Pandemics
Pandemics Risk
Assessment for this date
Infectious disease outbreaks, including measles, flu, and avian flu, are on the rise globally, compounded by vaccine hesitancy and misinformation.
January 2, 2026
Trend
Viewing the record for January 2, 2026 within the full trend.
Risk Drivers
What is pushing the current reading.
The current global health landscape is marked by a resurgence of several infectious diseases, including measles and influenza, with significant outbreaks reported in the US and Europe. Vaccine hesitancy and misinformation are exacerbating these outbreaks, as seen in the declining vaccination rates and public distrust in health agencies. The emergence of avian flu in multiple US states and the detection of new coronavirus subspecies further complicate the situation. Although vaccine development and deployment efforts continue, such as the prequalification of COVID-19 rapid tests by the WHO, the challenges posed by misinformation and regulatory hurdles remain significant. These factors collectively elevate the pandemic risk to a high level, necessitating urgent and coordinated public health responses.
Risk Reduction Actions
Priority actions generated from the current analysis.
Enhance surveillance and reporting systems for early detection and response to infectious disease outbreaks.
Collaborate internationally to monitor and address cross-border disease transmission and vaccine distribution challenges.
Accelerate research on vaccine efficacy and safety to address public concerns and improve trust in vaccination programs.
Provide accurate and clear information about infectious diseases and vaccines to combat misinformation and educate the public.
Sources Monitored
Visible feeds used in this category's nightly run.
Selected Articles
Supporting articles referenced in the latest score.
- US respiratory virus activity rises as Arkansas reports record pertussis year
- Flu, RSV activity rising in US and Europe, with major UK surge in flu cases
- Fewer people are being vaccinated against respiratory diseases
- US measles outbreak tops 1,800 cases as respiratory illness surveillance returns
- US Measles Outbreak 2025: 2,000+ Cases in 44 States Amid Hesitancy Publisher: WebProNews
- More than 2,000 measles cases reported in the US in 2025 as ongoing outbreaks threaten elimination status Publisher: CNN