Pandemiology Watch (March 18-24, 2026).

Our latest report covers data from March 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)

By: PandemiX Center

Emerging outbreaks

Meningitis

According to the European Medical Journal, the UK Health Security Agency said on March 18 that meningitis cases linked to an outbreak in Kent have risen to 20. Most of the cases are among young people in Canterbury, and two people have died. The UK Health Security Agency is offering antibiotics and vaccinations to people who may have been exposed to control the outbreak.

MEASLES

US

According to CIDRAP on March 20, 2026, Utah and Texas have reported the biggest increases in measles cases. Utah reported 38 new cases, bringing the total to 443, while Texas reported 11 new cases, bringing the total to 147 this year. Many of the cases are linked to af detention center in Hudspeth county. In South Carolina, however, no new cases were reported for the first time in months.

As of March 20, 2026, the United States has reported 1,487 measles cases so far in 2026, according to the Center for Disease Control. In 2026, the age group 5-19 accounts for 53% of the cases (781), and children under 5 years account for 21% of the cases (314). Of the cases reported in 2026, 92% were unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status and 5% of the cases have been hospitalized (74). A total of 3,772 measles cases and three deaths have been reported to date.

Canada

As of March 23, 2026, Canada has reported 582 measles cases in 2026, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada. In 2026, 60% of the cases occurred in children (350). Manitoba accounts for 60% of the cases (352), and Alberta accounts for 31% of the cases (183) reported so far in 2026. 89% of the cases reported in 2026 were unvaccinated (520), and 6% required hospitalization. A total of 6,007 measles cases and two deaths have been reported to date.

Influenza

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on March 20, 2026, 115 pediatric influenza deaths have been reported in the United States during the 2025-2026 flu season. In the latest weekly influenza surveillance report, 14 additional child deaths linked to influenza have been reported. Most of the children were not fully vaccinated against influenza.

H5N1

As of March 24, 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 March 18-24, 2026, there have been no significant updates on mpox outbreaks worldwide.