Increase funding for public health surveillance and vaccination campaigns to control the spread of flu, RSV, and measles.
Pandemics
Pandemics Risk
Assessment for this date
The current pandemic risk is high due to rising cases of flu, RSV, measles, and avian flu, compounded by vaccine misinformation and public health response challenges.
January 12, 2026
Trend
Viewing the record for January 12, 2026 within the full trend.
Risk Drivers
What is pushing the current reading.
The threat level is elevated due to multiple concurrent outbreaks of infectious diseases such as flu, RSV, and measles, with significant spread in the US and Europe. The resurgence of measles, particularly in South Carolina, highlights gaps in vaccination coverage and public health surveillance. The ongoing flu and RSV activity, coupled with the emergence of avian flu in humans, underscores the potential for widespread transmission. Additionally, confusion over vaccine policies and misinformation further complicate public health efforts. Despite the availability of vaccines, the persistence of COVID-19 and its severe impact on vulnerable populations continue to pose significant challenges.
Risk Reduction Actions
Priority actions generated from the current analysis.
Enhance communication strategies to address vaccine misinformation and improve public trust in vaccination programs.
Collaborate internationally to monitor and respond to avian flu cases and other emerging infectious diseases.
Support community outreach programs to educate the public on the importance of vaccination and preventive health measures.
Accelerate research on universal vaccines and rapid diagnostic tools to better prepare for future outbreaks.
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
- Boston reports first pediatric flu deaths since 2013 as flu illness surges across US
- South Carolina measles outbreak reaches 310 cases Publisher: Washington Times
- Bird Flu Viruses Raise Mounting Concerns Among Scientists Publisher: The New York Times