Pandemiology Watch (January 21-27, 2026)
Emerging outbreaks
According to BBC on January 27, 2026, two cases of Nipah virus have been confirmed in West Bengal, India. Authorities in Thailand and Nepal have begun screening travelers from the region at airports and border points. The virus, which can spread from animals to humans and between people, has a high fatality rate of 40-75% and currently has no approved treatment or vaccine. Health officials are monitoring contacts of the infected and implementing preventive measures to limit further transmission.
MEASLES
According to The Guardian on January 26, 2026, the United Kingdom has lost its measles‑free status as classified by the World Health Organization after a rise in deaths from measles and a decline in MMR vaccination uptake. The WHO now lists the UK as one of six countries in Europe and central Asia where measles transmission has become re‑established. Public health experts link the resurgence to lower vaccine coverage, underscoring the need to increase immunization to prevent further outbreaks.
US.
According to CIDRAP on January 23, 2025, South Carolina’s measles outbreak continues to grow, with the state confirming 54 new cases over three days, bringing the total to 700 cases since the outbreak began in October. In Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, health officials reported two new cases both linked to the outbreak in Spartanburg, South Carolina. So far in 2026, North Carolina has confirmed 12 cases, 13 since mid-December. Idaho also reported two cases this week.
As of January 23, 2026, the United States has reported 416 new measles cases in 2026, according to the Center for Disease Control. In 2026, the age group 5-19 accounts for 252 of the cases (61%), and children under 5 years account for 102 of the cases (25%). Of the cases reported in 2026, 94% were unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status and 10 of the cases have been hospitalized (2%). A total of 2,671 measles cases and three deaths have been reported to date.
Canada.
As of January 26, 2026, Canada has reported 67 new measles cases in 2026, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada. In 2026, 45 of the cases occurred in children (67%). Alberta accounts for 31 of the cases (46%), and Manitoba accounts for 24 of the cases (36%) reported so far in 2026. 59 of the cases reported in 2026 were unvaccinated (88%), and one required hospitalization. A total of 5,453 measles cases and two deaths have been reported to date.
MPOX
According to Africa CDC on January 22, 2026, mpox is no longer classified as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security, reflecting improved preparedness and coordination across the continent. The emergency-level status was first declared in August 2024, though officials warn that mpox remains a health threat in some regions.
H5N1
According to Wageningen University & Research on January 23, 2026, researchers have detected avian influenza (HPAI H5N1) antibodies in a dairy cow in the Netherlands, marking the first known detection in European dairy cattle. The discovery came after routine monitoring of a farm in Friesland where a cat had previously tested positive for bird flu. Tests showed no active virus in the cow or herd, meaning the animal is not shedding the virus and does not pose a public health risk. Further testing of the rest of the herd is underway to see whether other animals were exposed
U.S.
As of January 27, 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports has not reported any cases of person-to-person transmission of H5N1 in the United States. The total remains at 71 confirmed human cases and two deaths.
Marburg virus
According to WHO Africa on January 26, 2026, Ethiopia declared the end of its Marburg virus outbreak after 42 days without new cases. The outbreak resulted in 14 confirmed cases, including nine deaths.