Infectious disease news covering outbreaks, vaccines, antimicrobial resistance, and global health surveillance.
An infant in southwestern Wisconsin has died from measles, marking the state's first fatality from the disease in 36 years. The outbreak has grown to 477 confirmed cases across 13 counties as of November 6, with nine hospitalizations reported. Health officials emphasize vaccination as the primary defense against the spread.
The Pan American Health Organization will evaluate the United States' measles elimination status this month after the country met criteria involving a year of continuous transmission. This review follows a significant outbreak with nearly 7,500 cases since 2025 and multiple deaths.
The Sokoto State Government and UNICEF are urging parents to vaccinate children against polio ahead of the November 7-11 campaign. This push follows reports of 68 to 69 paralysis cases from two circulating strains in Nigeria in 2026, with efforts targeting nomadic settlements and areas affected by insecurity in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi states.
A clinical trial for a vaccine against the Bundibugyo virus has started in Bundibugyo, DR Congo. The Tumaini trial aims to develop effective vaccines for the strain that has killed over 5,000 people in the region.
The Global Fund has facilitated the training of 464 laboratory technicians across nine Nigerian states to enhance diagnostic capabilities for malaria and tuberculosis. This initiative addresses expert warnings that poor testing accuracy and misdiagnosis currently hinder effective disease control in the region.
Louisiana Department of Health data shows the state has the highest influenza activity in the United States. Dr. Hector Cabrera reports that 4.3% of outpatient encounters are for influenza-like illness, marking an earlier start to the 2026-27 flu season than usual.
This piece highlights rising flu activity across 39 US states and promotes Beekeeper's Naturals Propolis Throat Spray as an affordable remedy. It cites CDC data on early flu season trends and features staff testimonials regarding the product's effectiveness in soothing cold symptoms.
The World Health Organization has approved clinical trials for two new vaccine candidates, ChAdOx1 BDBV and Moderna's mRNA-1469, targeting the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola. Results are expected in early 2027. The Tumaini trial in Bunia uses a ring-vaccination approach to test multiple candidates against the virus, which has recorded over 10,500 confirmed cases and 5,126 deaths as of November 1.
The World Health Organization reported 18 yellow fever deaths among 67 confirmed cases in Nigeria and eight other African countries from January to October 2026. Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, and Liberia are experiencing concentrated outbreak activity near international borders. Affected nations are enhancing surveillance and vaccination efforts to curb transmission.
European health authorities are racing to contain tropical diseases like dengue and Zika as tiger mosquitoes spread northward across the continent. Experts warn that without rapid containment efforts, these vector-borne illnesses could become endemic in Europe.