A Bundibugyo virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has resulted in 5290 confirmed cases and 2516 deaths amid widespread community transmission, while Uganda has declared its outbreak over and France reported a single case in a returning healthcare worker. In Europe, an unvaccinated four-year-old girl in Palermo died from suspected respiratory diphtheria, with an epidemiologically linked cousin testing positive. Meanwhile, a cluster of 21 measles cases has been traced to a folk festival in Region Västernorrland (Sweden), prompting an EU notification. Beyond Europe, Peru has reported 42,440 dengue cases, representing a 41% year-on-year increase amid Coastal El Niño conditions. In the United States, a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli and Salmonella linked to alfalfa sprouts has reached 55 cases, and two A(H1N2)v influenza cases in minors were linked to ill swine.
Ebola virus disease — Africa
As of August 23, 2026, the Democratic Republic of the Congo reported 5290 confirmed cases and 2516 deaths in a Bundibugyo virus outbreak driven by widespread community transmission. Hemorrhagic signs are reportedly infrequent, and while no approved vaccines or treatments exist, clinical trials have begun. Uganda declared its outbreak over after 20 cases, and France reported one case in a returning healthcare worker.
Diphtheria — Europe
In Palermo, an unvaccinated four-year-old girl died from suspected respiratory diphtheria. An epidemiologically linked cousin tested positive and is clinically improving. Authorities are conducting contact tracing and checking school vaccination statuses, with no wider community transmission reported. Italy continues to report sporadic cases of the disease.
Measles — Europe
A cluster of 21 measles cases has been linked to a folk festival held from 30 July to 2 August 2026 in Region Västernorrland, Sweden. The case count increased from an initial report of ten suspected cases on 17 August. An EU notification has been issued regarding the event.
Dengue - South America
As of August 19, 2026, Peru has reported 42,440 dengue cases, representing a 41% year-on-year increase. This surge is occurring amid Coastal El Niño conditions affecting the northern departments. Earlier in July 2026, cases had reached 34,820 across 21 regions following an epidemiological alert issued in January due to early warning signals of increased transmission.
5290 confirmed cases and 2516 deaths reported; widespread community transmission and collapsing contact tracing.
42,440 cases reported, a 41% year-on-year increase amid Coastal El Niño conditions.
16 additional locally acquired cases reported this week, bringing the state total to 23.
Fatal suspected respiratory case in an unvaccinated four-year-old and one linked pediatric case
Nearly 100,000 cases reported nationwide in 2026, with over 54,000 suspected in Kivu provinces.
21 cases linked to a folk festival held in Region Västernorrland; EU notification issued.
First locally acquired human case confirmed in Roscommon County since 2021.
Two A(H1N2)v cases in minors linked to ill swine at an agricultural fair.
Confirmed infection in a 7-year-old hospitalized after swimming in Lake Claiborne.
Multistate outbreak of STEC and Salmonella linked to alfalfa sprouts reaches 55 cases.
8117 cases reported in Bahia; 4281 cases and 10 deaths in Mato Grosso do Sul.
260 confirmed cases and 19 deaths reported, with incidence 172% higher than in 2025.
74 cases reported in 2026, including 20 locally transmitted and 37 imported cases.
Approximately 500 hospitalized and nine confirmed infections reported amid seasonal diarrheal illness increase.
156 cases reported amid monsoon flooding, with severe hospital admissions surging in Metro Manila.
The ESCMID-AUMC Epi Alert, a strategic collaboration between the ESCMID Emerging Infections Subcommittee and the Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine of Amsterdam University Medical Center (AUMC) that integrates expertise and resources to advance emerging infectious diseases surveillance and intelligence sharing. This collaboration integrates ESCMID's extensive international network and emerging infections expertise with AUMC's proven surveillance capabilities, led by Dr. Abraham Goorhuis and the AUMC team and other collaborators form European Institutions.
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