Pandemics

The current high risk level is driven by the expanding Ebola outbreak in DR Congo, which has reached nearly 1,000 cases and is spreading into crowded displacement camps, posing a significant threat of further transmission. The World Cup presents additional risks of infectious disease spread due to large gatherings, with experts warning of potential 'diseases of crowds.' Meanwhile, vaccine misinformation continues to undermine public health efforts, as seen in the divergence of vaccine recommendations and declining trust in health authorities. These factors, combined with ongoing surveillance gaps and the potential for misinformation to exacerbate public health challenges, contribute to the elevated risk level.