Increase public health campaigns to promote flu and measles vaccinations, focusing on areas with low uptake.
Pandemics
Pandemics Risk
Assessment for this date
Today's pandemic risk is moderate due to rising flu and measles cases, ongoing COVID-19 impacts, and avian flu outbreaks, compounded by vaccine hesitancy and misinformation.
February 17, 2026
Trend
Viewing the record for February 17, 2026 within the full trend.
Risk Drivers
What is pushing the current reading.
The current global health landscape is characterized by a resurgence of flu and measles outbreaks, as well as persistent COVID-19 challenges, including long-term health impacts and vaccine hesitancy. The flu remains a significant concern with moderate to high activity and child fatalities. Measles outbreaks are exacerbated by low vaccination rates, posing a risk of further spread. Avian flu continues to affect both wildlife and agriculture, with new cases reported in various regions. Additionally, misinformation and skepticism about vaccines are undermining public health efforts, complicating the response to these threats. These factors collectively elevate the risk of infectious disease outbreaks, although robust vaccine deployment and public health measures are in place to mitigate these risks.
Risk Reduction Actions
Priority actions generated from the current analysis.
Enhance surveillance and reporting systems for flu, measles, and avian flu to quickly identify and respond to outbreaks.
Address vaccine misinformation through community engagement and education initiatives.
Accelerate studies on long-term COVID-19 effects and potential interventions to mitigate these impacts.
Coordinate efforts to monitor and control avian flu spread, particularly in high-risk regions.
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
- After 3-week decline, flu cases rise across the US; RSV, COVID activity high in certain states
- US respiratory virus activity reaches high levels as flu, RSV spread
- Delaware, Georgia see major commercial avian flu outbreaks
- Measles outbreak: 910 confirmed cases in U.S. Publisher: FOX 10 Phoenix
- Experts sound alarm on further measles outbreaks due to low vaccination rates Publisher: The Independent