Pandemiology Watch (September 16-22, 2026)

Our latest report covers data from September 16-22, 2026. This update provides an overview of communicable diseases, highlighting key trends, emerging outbreaks, and notable developments. We have included direct links to the sources referenced, allowing for deeper insight.

Published by:

PandemiX Center (Research Centre)

This is an image of an orange cell/virus.

By: PandemiX Center

Ebola

According to the INRB-UMIE BDBV on September 19, 2026, Epidemic Dashboard, the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reached 7,672 confirmed cases and 3,699 confirmed deaths. A total of 1,879 patients have recovered.

According to the Associated Press on September 20, 2026, Congo has begun vaccinating healthcare and other frontline workers against Ebola in Ituri province, where the Ebola outbreak is concentrated. The vaccination campaign uses the Ervebo vaccine, which is licensed against Ebola virus disease caused by the Zaire virus. The current outbreak, however, is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, for which there is currently no licensed vaccine or treatment.

Measles

US

As of September 18, 2026, the United States has reported 3,471 measles cases so far in 2026, according to the Center for Disease Control. In 2026, the age group 5-19 accounts for 44% of the cases (1,519), and children under 5 years account for 18% of the cases (629). Of the cases reported in 2026, 95% were unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status and 9% of the cases have been hospitalized (301). A total of 5,760 measles cases have been reported to date.

According to The Hill on 17 September 2026, Pennsylvania is seeking emergency assistance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), known as an Epi-Aid, to help control the measles outbreak in the state. The state’s request for support is linked to the CDC’s recognition of four measles-related deaths reported by Pennsylvania. The CDC has not yet included the deaths in its national measles figures and is working with the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists to establish a standardized definition for measles deaths. As of 16 September, Pennsylvania had reported 731 confirmed measles cases across 38 counties and four deaths associated with the outbreak.

According to CIDRAP on September 18, 2026, other states with high case numbers included South Carolina with 670 cases, Utah with 527, Texas with 192, Virginia with 178 and Wisconsin with 167 cases. Ohio had also reported 180 cases.

Canada

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada on September 21, 2026, Canada has reported 1,120 measles cases (1,039 confirmed and 81 probable) in 2026 as of September 12. 61% of the cases occurred in children (676). Manitoba accounts for 61% of the cases (680), and Alberta accounts for 28% of the cases (311) reported so far in 2026. 86% of the cases reported in 2026 were unvaccinated (963), and 7% required hospitalization. A total of 6,543 measles cases and two deaths have been reported to date.

Influenza

H5N1

As of September 22, 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 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.

Mpox

From September 16-22, 2026, there have been no significant updates on mpox outbreaks worldwide.