Increase funding and support for vaccination campaigns to address measles and flu outbreaks.
Pandemics
Pandemics Risk
Assessment for this date
Today's pandemic risk is high due to significant measles outbreaks, rising flu and RSV activity, and ongoing challenges with COVID-19 and misinformation.
January 14, 2026
Trend
Viewing the record for January 14, 2026 within the full trend.
Risk Drivers
What is pushing the current reading.
The current landscape of infectious diseases presents a high risk due to several concurrent outbreaks and challenges. The measles outbreak in South Carolina and its spread to other states highlights gaps in vaccination coverage and the impact of vaccine misinformation. Concurrently, flu and RSV activities are rising in the US and Europe, straining healthcare systems already dealing with COVID-19, which remains deadlier than the flu in hospitalized patients. Vaccine hesitancy and misinformation are exacerbated by public figures and policy changes, undermining public health efforts. Additionally, the emergence of new pathogens and the persistence of long COVID symptoms further complicate the global health landscape.
Risk Reduction Actions
Priority actions generated from the current analysis.
Enhance surveillance and reporting systems for respiratory viruses and emerging pathogens.
Educate patients on the importance of vaccinations and counter misinformation.
Collaborate with local communities to improve vaccine uptake and trust in public health measures.
Provide accurate and clear information on the benefits and safety of vaccines to combat misinformation.
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
- North Dakota confirms pediatric flu deaths as some states note surge in flu activity
- South Carolina measles outbreak surges to over 400 cases Publisher: WCNC
- More than 400 measles cases now reported in South Carolina outbreak: What to know Publisher: WBTV