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As winter sets in across the Northern Hemisphere, countries in North America, Europe, and East Asia are reporting rising hospitalization rates due to a concurrent surge in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), seasonal influenza—predominantly the A(H3N2) strain—and ongoing circulation of SARS-CoV-2 variants, particularly KP.3 and KP.2.

A newly emerged strain of mpox is driving a rapidly expanding outbreak in Central Africa, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to convene an emergency committee this week to assess whether the situation constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

The world is experiencing the worst dengue fever season on record, with over **7 million cases** reported globally in 2025—an alarming surge driven by climate extremes, urbanization, and expanding mosquito habitats, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Health authorities worldwide are sounding the alarm over an unprecedented spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1), as the virus continues to jump species barriers—from birds to wild mammals and, increasingly, to livestock and humans.

As the Northern Hemisphere moves deeper into winter, a modest resurgence of COVID-19 driven by SARS-CoV-2 subvariants KP.3, KP.2, and the FLiRT lineage (descendants of JN.1) is being observed worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that weekly global COVID-19 deaths have fallen to fewer than 3,000—dramatically down from over 100,000 per week during the pandemic’s peak in 2020—signaling a transition to a “low-level endemic phase.”

WHO Issues Urgent Warning: Chikungunya Cases Surge Globally, Potential for Another Worldwide Outbreak

Global malaria cases rose to 249 million in 2022. Southern Europe is now seeing infected mosquitoes, and the UK reported its highest case numbers in two decades.

England reported 13,030 syphilis cases in 2024, the highest since 1948, with a notable increase among heterosexual men.

Malawi has reported 11 mpox cases since April, contributing to over 52,000 cases across 16 African countries in 2025. Vaccine shortages and limited testing capacity are major challenges.

case of this tick-borne virus, which has a fatality rate of up to 40%, was confirmed in Salamanca, Spain. Travelers are advised to take precautions against tick bites.

Researchers are now detecting measles in wastewater in states like Maryland, California, and Connecticut, aiding in early outbreak detection.

Hospitals in Pune are reporting a rise in COVID-19 cases among healthcare workers. Most infections are mild, and hospitals remain operational without significant disruptions.

New Variant NB.1.8.1: A more transmissible COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, is spreading in countries like Egypt, the Maldives, Thailand, and Ireland. It now accounts for approximately 10.7% of global cases. While more infectious, it does not appear to cause more severe illness.

As of April 17, 2025, the United States is experiencing a significant measles outbreak, with Texas being the most affected state. This resurgence underscores the critical importance of vaccination and public health awareness.

China: An increase in HMPV cases has been reported, leading to concerns about its potential impact. Health experts note that while HMPV can cause symptoms similar to the common cold or flu, it is generally less severe than COVID-19. ​

Texas: A measles outbreak in West Texas has resulted in 198 cases and one death. Healthcare providers are working to counter misinformation and encourage vaccinations, as some parents opt for unproven treatments like high doses of vitamin A, influenced by anti-vaccine rhetoric.

Michigan: The state is experiencing a rise in flu cases amid declining vaccination rates. Hospitals have reported a significant increase in influenza-like illnesses, with vaccination numbers falling short of targets. Healthcare professionals emphasize the importance of vaccinations to protect individual and public health. ​
Texas (Laredo): Elevated levels of influenza B and COVID-19 have been detected in Laredo's wastewater, indicating potential community spread. Residents are advised to adopt preventive measures, including vaccination and enhanced hygiene practices. ​

United States: The H5N1 bird flu virus has been detected in wild birds, poultry, and notably, dairy cattle across multiple U.S. states. Human infections remain rare, with 70 cases reported nationwide, including one fatality in Louisiana.
Connecticut: While no human cases have been reported in Connecticut, the virus has been found in wild birds and backyard poultry. Health officials express concern about potential human-to-human transmission if the virus mutates. ​

Organizations like IAVI are developing single-dose vaccine candidates to prevent zoonotic diseases caused by priority pathogens such as Lassa virus, Marburg virus, and Sudan virus. ​

A 4-year-old child has become the second Ebola fatality in Uganda, causing concern over disease surveillance amidst an ongoing outbreak that began in late January. The child died after being hospitalized in the capital, Kampala.

A child in Texas has died from measles, marking the first such death in over a decade amidst an ongoing outbreak in West Texas. The child was unvaccinated, underscoring the importance of vaccination recommended for children over six months old. 

Scientists have identified four viruses with pandemic potential: Ebola, Marburg, SARS, and Nipah viruses. Recent outbreaks of Marburg virus and mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo underscore the region's vulnerability due to its climate and forest environment.

A groundbreaking study at Yale University has developed a personalized cancer vaccine that successfully reversed advanced kidney cancer in nine patients, leaving them disease-free for three years. The vaccine is tailored by analyzing the DNA and RNA of each patient's tumor to identify specific mutations, training the immune system to target and destroy cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is reviewing a $590 million contract awarded to Moderna for developing a bird-flu vaccine. This review follows concerns about inadequate oversight and the significant impact of the bird-flu outbreak in the U.S., which has led to poultry culling, soaring egg prices, and human infections. 

A new strain of the H5N1 avian influenza, known as D1.1, has been detected in cows, dairy workers, and wild birds, indicating a significant spread. Infections in three veterinarians working with cattle have also been reported, highlighting challenges in containment efforts.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) unexpectedly canceled a scheduled meeting of the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC), which is responsible for selecting flu strains for the upcoming season's vaccine. The reason for the cancellation has not been disclosed, raising concerns about potential delays in vaccine formulation and effectiveness.