Increase funding and resources for outbreak surveillance and response to rapidly contain and manage emerging infectious diseases.
Pandemics
Pandemics Risk
Current assessment
Today's pandemic risk is moderate due to ongoing outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease, Cyclospora, and avian flu, coupled with persistent challenges from long COVID and vaccine misinformation.
July 20, 2026
Trend
Daily score history for Pandemics.
Risk Drivers
What is pushing the current reading.
The current global health landscape is marked by multiple infectious disease outbreaks, including Legionnaires' disease in New York City and a widespread Cyclospora outbreak linked to contaminated lettuce, affecting numerous states. Additionally, avian flu continues to impact poultry and wildlife, posing zoonotic risks. Long COVID remains a significant concern, with studies highlighting its impact on cardiovascular health and ongoing symptoms. While COVID-19 vaccine uptake and safety are generally positive, misinformation and public distrust in health agencies persist, potentially undermining public health efforts. These factors collectively contribute to a moderate pandemic risk level, necessitating vigilant surveillance and public health responses.
Risk Reduction Actions
Priority actions generated from the current analysis.
Enhance public education campaigns to improve vaccine uptake and counter misinformation, focusing on the safety and efficacy of vaccines.
Implement targeted interventions in high-risk areas, such as nursing homes and evacuation shelters, to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.
Accelerate research into long COVID treatments and its long-term health impacts to better support affected individuals.
Collaborate with local communities to improve hygiene and sanitation practices, particularly in areas affected by Cyclospora and other foodborne outbreaks.
Sources Monitored
Visible feeds used in this category's nightly run.
Selected Articles
Supporting articles referenced in the latest score.
- The Eaton wildfire evacuation shelter near LA saw outbreaks of norovirus, COVID, and flu, report reveals Publisher: CIDRAP COVID‑19 Published July 10, 2026
- Cambodia confirms human H5N1 avian flu case as H5N1 hits more Utah egg farms Publisher: CIDRAP Avian Influenza Published July 16, 2026
- Second person dies in legionnaires’ disease outbreak in New York City Publisher: The Guardian Published July 20, 2026
- CDC links Taco Bell lettuce supplier to massive cyclospora outbreak Publisher: Scripps News Published July 19, 2026
- Taylor Farms recalls lettuce shipped to 27 states over cyclospora risk Publisher: PBS Published July 18, 2026