Increase funding for public health infrastructure to improve outbreak surveillance and response capabilities.
Pandemics
Pandemics Risk
Current assessment
Today's pandemic risk is high due to ongoing outbreaks of Ebola, measles, and avian flu, compounded by vaccine hesitancy and misinformation.
August 28, 2026
Trend
Daily score history for Pandemics.
Risk Drivers
What is pushing the current reading.
The current global health landscape is marked by significant infectious disease threats, including a severe Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, ongoing measles outbreaks in the US, and the spread of avian flu in multiple regions. These are exacerbated by widespread vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, which hinder public health responses and vaccine uptake. Additionally, the resurgence of diseases like measles in developed countries underscores gaps in vaccination coverage and public trust. The presence of multiple simultaneous outbreaks and the challenges in controlling them highlight the need for robust surveillance and response systems.
Risk Reduction Actions
Priority actions generated from the current analysis.
Enhance community outreach and education to combat vaccine hesitancy and misinformation.
Support vaccination campaigns in regions with low coverage to prevent further spread of preventable diseases.
Coordinate global efforts to address emerging infectious diseases and share best practices.
Promote accurate information about vaccines and public health measures to counter misinformation.
Sources Monitored
Visible feeds used in this category's nightly run.
Selected Articles
Supporting articles referenced in the latest score.
- Pandemic pathogens, dengue, cholera were world’s largest emerging infectious disease burdens from 2000 to 2022 Publisher: CIDRAP Influenza (General) Published June 24, 2026
- Quick takes: Ebola deaths top 1,000, measles outbreak in Delaware, H9N2 avian flu in China Publisher: CIDRAP Avian Influenza Published July 23, 2026
- As DR Congo Ebola outbreak tops 5,500 cases, calls for more resources intensify Publisher: CIDRAP Ebola Published August 24, 2026
- Measles outbreak in southwestern Wisconsin Publisher: Channel 3000 Published August 27, 2026
- 2 unvaccinated Pennsylvanians die after contracting measles as outbreak reaches nearly 400 cases Publisher: WHYY Published August 25, 2026