Increase funding for public health campaigns to counter vaccine misinformation and promote vaccination.
Pandemics
Pandemics Risk
Assessment for this date
The current pandemic risk is high due to rising flu, RSV, and measles cases, compounded by vaccine hesitancy and misinformation.
January 31, 2026
Trend
Viewing the record for January 31, 2026 within the full trend.
Risk Drivers
What is pushing the current reading.
The resurgence of flu and RSV activity in the US, alongside a significant measles outbreak in South Carolina, indicates a heightened risk of infectious disease spread. Vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, particularly around COVID-19 and measles vaccines, exacerbate the situation by hindering public health efforts and vaccination campaigns. Additionally, the ongoing avian flu outbreaks in poultry and the potential for zoonotic spillover events further contribute to the risk. Surveillance gaps and delayed medical care due to fear of immigration enforcement also undermine public health responsiveness.
Risk Reduction Actions
Priority actions generated from the current analysis.
Enhance surveillance and reporting systems for flu, RSV, and measles to ensure timely response and containment.
Collaborate with community leaders to address vaccine hesitancy and improve vaccination rates, especially in high-risk areas.
Provide support and resources for communities affected by infectious disease outbreaks to ensure access to healthcare and vaccination.
Accelerate development and deployment of effective vaccines and treatments for emerging infectious diseases.
Sources Monitored
Visible feeds used in this category's nightly run.
Selected Articles
Supporting articles referenced in the latest score.
- After 3-week decline, flu cases rise across the US; RSV, COVID activity high in certain states
- Flu, RSV activity rising in US and Europe, with major UK surge in flu cases
- US measles cases soar to 588 so far this year as South Carolina confirms 58 new infections Publisher: CIDRAP
- Avian flu hits another Weld County egg farm, Colorado declares disaster Publisher: The Colorado Sun
- Spartanburg measles outbreak becomes nation's largest in 25 years Publisher: Greenville Online