Increase funding and resources for flu and measles vaccination campaigns to curb current outbreaks.
Pandemics
Pandemics Risk
Assessment for this date
Today's pandemic risk is moderate due to ongoing flu and measles outbreaks, the spread of avian flu, and the persistence of long COVID among healthcare workers, compounded by misinformation challenges.
March 21, 2026
Trend
Viewing the record for March 21, 2026 within the full trend.
Risk Drivers
What is pushing the current reading.
The current global health landscape is marked by multiple infectious disease threats, including significant flu activity with pediatric deaths, measles outbreaks nearing 1,500 cases in the US, and the spread of avian flu across various regions. Long COVID remains a substantial burden, particularly among healthcare workers, affecting workforce capacity and public health response. Additionally, misinformation around vaccines continues to undermine public trust and vaccination efforts, complicating disease control measures. These factors collectively elevate the pandemic risk to a moderate level, with potential for escalation if not effectively managed.
Risk Reduction Actions
Priority actions generated from the current analysis.
Enhance surveillance and reporting systems for avian flu to prevent further spread and ensure timely interventions.
Launch targeted communication strategies to counter misinformation and improve public trust in vaccines.
Accelerate studies on long COVID to develop effective management protocols and support affected healthcare workers.
Coordinate cross-border efforts to monitor and control the spread of infectious diseases, including avian flu and measles.
Sources Monitored
Visible feeds used in this category's nightly run.
Selected Articles
Supporting articles referenced in the latest score.
- CDC reports 14 more pediatric flu deaths, 115 total
- Up to 60% of health care workers may have long COVID 4 years after infection
- 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
- US measles outbreak approaches 1,500 cases Publisher: CIDRAP