Enhance public health communication strategies to counter misinformation and promote vaccination.
Pandemics
Pandemics Risk
Assessment for this date
The current pandemic risk is high due to rising respiratory virus activity, vaccine misinformation, and multiple infectious disease outbreaks globally.
January 16, 2026
Trend
Viewing the record for January 16, 2026 within the full trend.
Risk Drivers
What is pushing the current reading.
The threat level is elevated due to a combination of factors: increasing flu and RSV activity in the US and Europe, significant measles outbreaks linked to declining vaccination rates, and the emergence of avian flu in both humans and animals. Additionally, misinformation surrounding vaccines, particularly in the US, undermines public health efforts and complicates response strategies. The presence of multiple concurrent outbreaks, including measles and avian flu, exacerbates the strain on healthcare systems already dealing with COVID-19 and RSV. Surveillance and vaccine deployment efforts are crucial but face challenges due to misinformation and logistical hurdles.
Risk Reduction Actions
Priority actions generated from the current analysis.
Increase surveillance and rapid response capabilities for emerging infectious diseases.
Support community outreach programs to improve vaccine uptake and public health education.
Accelerate the development and distribution of vaccines for emerging strains and pathogens.
Coordinate global efforts to monitor and respond to cross-border infectious disease threats.
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
- North Dakota confirms pediatric flu deaths as some states note surge in flu activity
- US measles outbreak tops 1,800 cases as respiratory illness surveillance returns
- US COVID, flu, and RSV levels low but rising in many regions
- First ever human case of H5N5 avian flu confirmed in Washington state
- RFK Jr. appoints 2 vocal opponents of vaccine use in pregnancy to federal advisory board