Increase funding and support for rapid response teams to contain the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo.
Pandemics
Pandemics Risk
Current assessment
Today's pandemic risk is high due to ongoing Ebola outbreaks, avian flu cases, and long COVID challenges, compounded by misinformation and gaps in vaccine policy.
August 12, 2026
Trend
Daily score history for Pandemics.
Risk Drivers
What is pushing the current reading.
The current global health landscape is marked by several significant infectious disease threats, including the rapid spread of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is now the fastest-growing outbreak on record, and the continued presence of avian flu cases in various regions. Additionally, the persistence of long COVID symptoms and the potential for misinformation to influence public trust in vaccines further complicate the public health response. These factors, combined with gaps in surveillance and vaccine policy, underscore a heightened risk of pandemic spread and the need for robust international cooperation and preparedness.
Risk Reduction Actions
Priority actions generated from the current analysis.
Enhance surveillance and reporting systems for avian flu to prevent further spread.
Educate the public on the importance of vaccination and address vaccine hesitancy.
Provide resources and support for communities affected by long COVID to improve health outcomes.
Counter misinformation by disseminating accurate information about vaccines and infectious diseases.
Sources Monitored
Visible feeds used in this category's nightly run.
Selected Articles
Supporting articles referenced in the latest score.
- Study ties COVID vaccine conspiracy theories to distrust of government, mainstream media Publisher: CIDRAP COVID‑19 Published August 11, 2026
- Many Black US patients with long COVID being missed, analysis reveals Publisher: CIDRAP COVID‑19 Published July 27, 2026
- Cambodia confirms human H5N1 avian flu case as H5N1 hits more Utah egg farms Publisher: CIDRAP Avian Influenza Published July 16, 2026
- Ebola cases surge past 2,000, now fastest-growing outbreak in history Publisher: CIDRAP Ebola Published July 15, 2026
- Congo battles fastest-spreading Ebola outbreak on record as deaths top 2,000 Publisher: CBC Published August 11, 2026