Increase public health campaigns to promote flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, especially targeting older adults.
Pandemics
Pandemics Risk
Assessment for this date
The current pandemic risk is high due to rising flu and measles cases, ongoing avian flu outbreaks, and low vaccination rates among older adults.
February 4, 2026
Trend
Viewing the record for February 4, 2026 within the full trend.
Risk Drivers
What is pushing the current reading.
The resurgence of flu and measles cases in the US, coupled with avian flu outbreaks in poultry and cattle, indicates a heightened risk of infectious disease spread. Low vaccination rates among older adults exacerbate the situation, as they are more vulnerable to severe outcomes. Additionally, misinformation and vaccine hesitancy continue to undermine public health efforts. While surveillance and vaccine deployment are ongoing, the gaps in vaccination coverage and the spread of misinformation pose significant challenges to controlling these outbreaks.
Risk Reduction Actions
Priority actions generated from the current analysis.
Enhance surveillance and rapid response strategies for flu, measles, and avian flu outbreaks.
Partner with local communities to combat misinformation and build trust in vaccines.
Accelerate the development and testing of universal flu vaccines and other preventive measures.
Strengthen cross-border collaboration to monitor and respond to emerging infectious diseases.
Sources Monitored
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Selected Articles
Supporting articles referenced in the latest score.
- Large share of older US adults haven’t had a recent flu or COVID vaccine, poll finds
- After 3-week decline, flu cases rise across the US; RSV, COVID activity high in certain states
- Boston reports first pediatric flu deaths since 2013 as flu illness surges across US
- Delaware, Georgia see major commercial avian flu outbreaks
- South Carolina measles outbreak hits 876 with 29 new cases Publisher: CIDRAP