Pandemiology Watch (February 18-24, 2026).

Our latest report covers data from February 18-24, 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)

Dette er et billede af en orange celle/virus

By: PandemiX Center

MEASLES

US.

According to CIDRAP on February 26, 2026, the South Carolina Department of Health has confirmed that South Carolina’s measles outbreak has reached 979 confirmed cases, with most infections concentrated in Spartanburg County. 913 of the patients were unvaccinated.

As of February 20, 2026, the United States has reported 982 measles cases, according to the Center for Disease Control. In 2026, the age group 5-19 accounts for 575 of the cases (59%), and children under 5 years account for 248 of the cases (25%). Of the cases reported in 2026, 94% were unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status and 38 of the cases have been hospitalized (4%). A total of 3,363 measles cases and three deaths have been reported to date.

Canada.

As of February 23, 2026, Canada has reported 254 measles cases in 2026, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada. In 2026, 139 of the cases occurred in children (55%). Manitoba accounts for 158 of the cases (62 %), and Alberta accounts for 60 of the cases (24%) reported so far in 2026. 214 of the cases reported in 2026 were unvaccinated (84%), and 12 required hospitalization. A total of 5,679 measles cases and two deaths have been reported to date.

MPOX

On February 14, 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported the detection of a recombinant mpox virus strain combining genetic elements from two clades, found in cases from the United Kingdom and India. Both patients recovered fully, and no further transmission was reported. WHO stated that the public health risk remains low for the general population but emphasized the need for continued surveillance and genomic monitoring to track potential changes in the virus.

Nipah Virus Disease

From February 18-24, 2026, there have been no significant updates on Nipah virus outbreaks worldwide.

H5N1

U.S.

As of February 24, 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.