Measles, global updates: Global activity remains widespread. In Europe, case numbers declined seasonally, though 10 measles-related deaths were reported over the past year (Romania, France, Netherlands). Surveillance in mid-January 2026 detected sporadic cases and clusters but no new outbreaks. Canada reported a total of 5,425 cases in 2025. The United States recorded 171 confirmed cases by mid-January 2026, mostly linked to outbreaks that began in 2025, with 2,242 cases and 49 outbreaks. Mexico reported 6,427 cases and 24 deaths in 2025, with continued transmission in early 2026. Smaller outbreaks were reported in Guatemala, Australia, Philippines, Kazakhstan, and Senegal, often affecting unvaccinated young children and linked to travel or localized transmission.
Rabies, Yemen: In 2025, 481 cases were recorded, largely linked to bites from unvaccinated stray dogs. Health authorities warn of a sharp rise, describing the situation as a serious and under-addressed health crisis
Hantavirus, Argentina: Hantavirus remains a serious public health concern. In 2025, 86 confirmed cases were reported nationwide, including 28 deaths, yielding a high case fatality rate (CFR) of 33.6%. Most cases occurred between July and December, concentrated in the Central region (62%), followed by the Northwest (29%) and South (8%), with the highest incidence in Salta and Entre Ríos.
Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), Japan: In 2025, 191 cases of this tick-borne viral disease were reported, exceeding the previous 2023 record. Most cases were in western Japan, although first-time reports also occurred in eastern prefectures, signaling geographic expansion. With a case fatality rate of 20–35% and no proven treatment, SFTS has shifted from a regional disease to a national public health concern. Older adults, particularly those engaged in farming or outdoor activities, remain at highest risk.
Japanese encephalitis (JE), India: Health authorities in Kerala have reported a significant rise in Japanese Encephalitis (JE) cases, prompting the designation of Malappuram and Kozhikode as JE-affected districts. Surveillance data indicate growing transmission, particularly in coastal and waterlogged areas that favor mosquito breeding. JE is a viral disease transmitted by Culex mosquitoes and primarily affects the brain. Fatality rates can reach 20–30%, with significant long-term neurological complications among survivors. Vaccination effectively prevents disease.
Measles. Europe reported 10 deaths in 2025. Canada: 5,425 cases, The United States: 2,242, Mexico: 6,427 cases and 24 deaths. Smaller outbreaks are currently reported in Guatemala, Australia, the Philippines, Kazakhstan, and Senegal.
Rabies. 481 rabies cases in Yemen in 2025, signaling a major neglected health crisis.
Hantavirus. Argentina reported 86 cases and 28 deaths in 2025, mainly from central and northwestern regions.
Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS). Japan reported 191 cases in 2025, expanding eastward.
Japanese encephalitis (JE). In India, Malappuram and Kozhikode (Kerala) are affected by rising JE cases; vaccination and mosquito control remain key.
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.
The Epi Alert aims for weekly publication, with frequency adapted to emerging threats. The briefings are curated by infectious disease specialists prioritising data from trusted sources (WHO, ECDC, CDC, ProMED) based on potential impact, geographic region and urgency/relevancy to clinical practice. It aims to provide concise summaries for busy healthcare professionals with direct links for further investigation and transparency.
This integrated collaboration represents a significant milestone in ESCMID's commitment to emerging infections preparedness, strengthening our collective capacity to detect, analyse, and respond to infectious disease threats through international cooperation.
Disclaimer: The information in this epi-alert is a weekly summary of the information that is available on the internet, mainly the websites of WHO, ECDC, CDC, and others. For this summary, we consider issues that are most relevant to the ESCMID members involved in clinical patient care. Therefore, this report is not comprehensive, but we strive to include all major global issues in this report on a weekly basis.
On 14 November 2025, Ethiopia confirmed its first outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in the South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia. This outbreak represents a significant epidemiological shift: Ethiopia has never previously reported MVD. Genetic sequencing suggests the strain is closely related to East African lineages, pointing to a regional reservoir. Laboratory testing identified Marburg virus in samples from a cluster of suspected haemorrhagic fever cases. To date, 10 cases have been reported, including five fatalities (CFR 50%), two among healthcare workers, highlighting the risk of nosocomial transmission. A total of 57 suspected cases have been investigated, including four in the past 24 hours.
The recent re-emergence of avian influenza (H5N1) in parts of Asia, including isolated human cases in Cambodia and India, highlights the need for continued vigilance. While sustained human-to-human transmission has not been observed, the current situation warrants close monitoring. Strengthening surveillance, improving poultry vaccination strategies, and promoting regional One Health collaborations can support risk assessment and management, including early containment efforts.
Since the previous update on 5 May 2025, and as of 12 May 2025, nine new MERS-CoV cases—including two deaths—have been reported by health authorities in Saudi Arabia, bringing the total number of cases this year to ten.
Seven of the recent cases were part of the same cluster in Riyadh, including one patient with no history of contact with camels and six healthcare workers who acquired nosocomial infections from that patient in early May.
The risk of sustained human-to-human transmission in Europe remains very low. However, the current MERS-CoV situation is concerning, as this rise in cases comes just two weeks ahead of the Mecca pilgrimage—a period typically associated with high international travel.
Since April 2012, and as of 12 May 2025, a total of 2,638 confirmed MERS cases—including 957 deaths—have been reported globally.
A Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak is evolving in Rwanda, East Africa. As of 7 October 2024, over 40 confirmed MVD cases have been reported, mainly in healthcare facilities in Kigali, with many healthcare workers affected. This outbreak represents a spread from known endemic areas to urban settings, including nosocomial transmission in Kigali hospitals. While outbreaks are typically limited to remote areas, this one spans across Rwanda, with potential for satellite cases and further spread. No vaccines or treatments are currently available.
This compilation includes the latest news, publications, and resources, covering recent developments such as vaccine distribution in Africa and WHO policy updates. It provides links to '2022-2024 Mpox Outbreak: Global Trends,' which features interactive dashboards and epidemiological data. This update offers a brief overview of the developments of the mpox situation for healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers.
As of August 2024, the world is facing a significant mpox outbreak, primarily affecting countries in Central and East Africa, particularly the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and neighbouring countries, with cases reported across several regions. The outbreak is characterised by the sustained human-to-human transmission of the clade I monkeypox virus (MPXV).
This ESCMID EIS mpox commentary provides up-to-date, evidence-based information on mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) for healthcare professionals, researchers, and public health officials.
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