Increase funding and support for vaccination campaigns to improve coverage and counteract vaccine hesitancy.
Pandemics
Pandemics Risk
Assessment for this date
The current global pandemic risk is moderate due to rising flu and measles cases, persistent COVID-19 challenges, and avian flu outbreaks, compounded by vaccine hesitancy and misinformation.
February 16, 2026
Trend
Viewing the record for February 16, 2026 within the full trend.
Risk Drivers
What is pushing the current reading.
The resurgence of flu and measles cases, particularly in the US and UK, highlights ongoing vulnerabilities in public health systems, exacerbated by vaccine hesitancy and misinformation. The flu season remains intense with pediatric deaths reported, and measles outbreaks are rapidly spreading, especially among unvaccinated populations. Concurrently, COVID-19 continues to pose a threat with long-term health impacts and varying vaccine uptake influenced by political climates. Avian flu outbreaks in multiple states and countries further complicate the situation, indicating a need for vigilant surveillance and response strategies. These factors collectively contribute to a moderate pandemic risk, emphasizing the importance of robust public health measures and effective communication strategies to counter misinformation.
Risk Reduction Actions
Priority actions generated from the current analysis.
Enhance surveillance and rapid response systems for emerging infectious diseases, including flu and measles.
Educate communities about the importance of vaccinations and address vaccine misinformation proactively.
Collaborate with local communities to improve vaccine accessibility and trust in public health initiatives.
Provide accurate and clear information about 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.
- CDC reports 6 more child deaths from flu, as virus levels stay moderate to high
- Annenberg poll shows drop in perceived safety of vaccines
- Local political climate tied to COVID vaccine uptake
- After 3-week decline, flu cases rise across the US; RSV, COVID activity high in certain states
- 3 new human avian flu cases reported in China
- More avian flu outbreaks in Pennsylvania, Colorado
- Worst US measles outbreak in 30 years: South Carolina, Florida battle health crisis, several college campu Publisher: The Economic Times
- ‘Big measles outbreak’ affecting children under 10 confirmed in London Publisher: Yahoo Life UK