Enhance surveillance and reporting systems for emerging infectious diseases, including avian flu and long COVID.
Pandemics
Pandemics Risk
Assessment for this date
Today's pandemic risk is moderate due to ongoing challenges with long COVID, flu, and avian flu, compounded by vaccine hesitancy and misinformation.
April 21, 2026
Trend
Viewing the record for April 21, 2026 within the full trend.
Risk Drivers
What is pushing the current reading.
The current landscape of infectious diseases presents several concerns: long COVID continues to impact health and economic systems, flu remains a significant threat with ongoing pediatric deaths, and avian flu is spreading among poultry and occasionally to humans. Vaccine hesitancy and misinformation further complicate public health efforts, as seen in the demand for 'unvaccinated' blood and skepticism towards vaccines. These factors highlight the need for robust surveillance, effective communication, and vaccination strategies to mitigate risks.
Risk Reduction Actions
Priority actions generated from the current analysis.
Launch targeted campaigns to address vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, emphasizing the benefits of vaccination.
Increase efforts to educate patients about the risks of long COVID and the importance of vaccination.
Support community-based initiatives to improve public understanding of infectious diseases and preventive measures.
Accelerate research on vaccines and treatments for long COVID and other emerging infectious diseases.
Sources Monitored
Visible feeds used in this category's nightly run.
Selected Articles
Supporting articles referenced in the latest score.
- COVID vaccines tied to less hospital care, long COVID, and economic burden
- Long COVID costs world’s economy billions: analysis
- Long COVID tied to higher risk of heart disease, even after mild infection
- Quick takes: Re-emergent COVID strain, extended US RSV season, typhus in California
- More people requesting ‘unvaccinated’ blood for themselves or their children