Increase funding and resources for Ebola containment and treatment efforts in affected regions.
Pandemics
Pandemics Risk
Current assessment
Today's pandemic risk is high due to ongoing Ebola outbreaks in Africa, rising avian flu cases, and persistent misinformation affecting vaccine uptake.
May 20, 2026
Trend
Daily score history for Pandemics.
Risk Drivers
What is pushing the current reading.
The current global health landscape is marked by significant challenges, including the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has raised international concern due to its rapid spread and high mortality rate. Additionally, avian flu continues to affect poultry and wildlife in multiple regions, posing a risk of zoonotic transmission. Compounding these issues is the pervasive spread of misinformation, which undermines public trust in vaccines and hampers effective public health responses. These factors collectively elevate the pandemic risk, necessitating heightened vigilance and coordinated international efforts to mitigate the spread of these infectious diseases.
Risk Reduction Actions
Priority actions generated from the current analysis.
Enhance surveillance and rapid response capabilities for avian flu outbreaks.
Launch campaigns to counter misinformation and promote accurate vaccine information.
Educate patients on the importance of vaccinations to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Coordinate global efforts to ensure equitable access to vaccines and antiviral treatments.
Sources Monitored
Visible feeds used in this category's nightly run.
Selected Articles
Supporting articles referenced in the latest score.
- More California marine mammals confirmed to have H5N1 avian flu, as USDA tracks poultry outbreaks in Midwest Publisher: CIDRAP Avian Influenza Published April 23, 2026
- Indiana: More than 350,000 birds killed in massive avian flu outbreak Publisher: CIDRAP Avian Influenza Published March 24, 2026
- WHO rep: ‘Significant uncertainty’ about how far Ebola has spread Publisher: CIDRAP Ebola Published May 19, 2026
- New Ebola outbreak hits Democratic Republic of Congo Publisher: CIDRAP Ebola Published May 15, 2026
- Ebola outbreak in Africa raises global concern Publisher: MPR News Published May 20, 2026