Increase funding and resources for public health agencies to enhance outbreak response capabilities.
Pandemics
Pandemics Risk
Current assessment
Today's pandemic risk is high due to ongoing outbreaks of measles, Ebola, and avian flu, coupled with significant vaccine hesitancy and misinformation challenges.
September 15, 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 measles in Pennsylvania and Kentucky, Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and avian flu in various regions. These outbreaks are compounded by issues such as vaccine hesitancy, as seen in the US, where demographic divides and misinformation continue to hinder vaccination efforts. The merging of CDC divisions to improve operational efficiency highlights the need for enhanced public health responsiveness. Additionally, the spread of misinformation and the challenges in vaccine policy and deployment further exacerbate the risk of these diseases spreading. The combination of these factors indicates a high level of threat from infectious diseases at present.
Risk Reduction Actions
Priority actions generated from the current analysis.
Intensify public health campaigns to address vaccine hesitancy and misinformation.
Coordinate global efforts to monitor and contain outbreaks, particularly in high-risk regions.
Develop and promote new vaccines and treatments for emerging infectious diseases.
Engage with local communities to build trust and encourage vaccination uptake.
Sources Monitored
Visible feeds used in this category's nightly run.
Selected Articles
Supporting articles referenced in the latest score.
- Repeat COVID infections tied to higher odds of new health conditions Publisher: CIDRAP COVID‑19 Published September 10, 2026
- Vaccine recommendations and access, plus measles deaths: 3 questions, zero consensus: The State of US Vaccine Policy Publisher: CIDRAP COVID‑19 Published September 3, 2026
- Pennsylvania’s growing measles outbreak Publisher: The Hill Published September 14, 2026
- Anthrax outbreak kills more than 50 animals, infects 12 people in Zambia Publisher: Global News Published September 14, 2026
- DRC’s Ebola Outbreak Has the Potential to Become a Global Pandemic. How to Make Sure It Doesn’t Publisher: Nautilus | Science Connected Published September 14, 2026