Increase funding for public health surveillance systems to better track and respond to outbreaks.
Pandemics
Pandemics Risk
Assessment for this date
Current infectious disease threats are high due to rising measles outbreaks, increasing flu and RSV activity, and persistent COVID-19 impacts.
January 10, 2026
Trend
Viewing the record for January 10, 2026 within the full trend.
Risk Drivers
What is pushing the current reading.
The convergence of multiple infectious disease threats, including a significant measles outbreak in South Carolina and neighboring states, high flu and RSV activity in the US and Europe, and ongoing challenges with COVID-19, underscores a heightened risk level. Despite vaccine availability, misinformation and vaccine hesitancy contribute to the spread of preventable diseases like measles. Additionally, the impact of long COVID and the potential for new variants continue to strain public health systems. Surveillance gaps and the spread of misinformation further exacerbate these challenges, highlighting the need for robust public health responses and effective communication strategies.
Risk Reduction Actions
Priority actions generated from the current analysis.
Enhance vaccination campaigns targeting communities with low immunization rates to prevent further spread of measles and other preventable diseases.
Develop and disseminate clear, accurate information to counteract misinformation about vaccines and infectious diseases.
Support community outreach programs to educate the public on the importance of vaccinations and preventive measures.
Accelerate studies on long COVID and its impacts to inform treatment and management strategies.
Sources Monitored
Visible feeds used in this category's nightly run.
Selected Articles
Supporting articles referenced in the latest score.
- US respiratory virus activity reaches high levels as flu, RSV spread
- COVID continues to exact heavy toll on older US adults, study suggests
- Flu, RSV activity rising in US and Europe, with major UK surge in flu cases
- Upstate Measles Outbreak Swells to 310 Cases; Spartanburg County Remains Epicenter Publisher: WRHI
- Rates of Missed MMR Vaccination Have Increased Since Pandemic Publisher: Pharmacy Times