Pandemiology Watch (August 19-25, 2026)

Ebola

According to the INRB-UMIE BDBV on August 20, 2026, Epidemic Dashboard, the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reached 3,575 confirmed cases and 2,557 confirmed deaths. 

According to The World Health Organization (WHO) on August 20, WHO and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) have approved the allocation of 70,000 doses of the Ebola vaccine Ervebo to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in response to the current Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak. The doses include 20,000 vaccines for a Phase 3 clinical trial to assess the vaccine's effectiveness against the Bundibugyo virus and 50,000 doses for healthcare and frontline workers. While Ervebo is licensed for the Zaire strain of Ebola, its effectiveness against the Bundibugyo virus remains uncertain

Measles

US

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health on August 25, 2026, two measles-associated deaths were reported in unvaccinated individuals from Lancaster County. These are the first measles-related deaths reported in Pennsylvania in 35 years. The state has recorded 393 measles cases across 28 counties so far in 2026 and continues to emphasize vaccination as the most effective protection against the disease.

As of August 21, 2026, the United States has reported 2,777 measles cases so far in 2026, according to the Center for Disease Control. In 2026, the age group 5-19 accounts for 47% of the cases (1,314), and children under 5 years account for 19% of the cases (522). Of the cases reported in 2026, 93% were unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status and 7% of the cases have been hospitalized (169). A total of 5,066 measles cases and three deaths have been reported to date. 

Canada

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada on August 24, 2026, Canada has reported 1,117 measles cases (1,036 confirmed and 81 probable) in 2026 as of August 8. 61% of the cases occurred in children (675). 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 (960), and 7% required hospitalization. A total of 6,542 measles cases and two deaths have been reported to date.

Cyclospora

A multistate Cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce has sickened 10,930 people across 17 U.S. states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). At least 454 people have been hospitalized and two deaths have been reported in Michigan. 

MMR vaccine changes 

More than 210 medical and health organisations have criticized a recent White House executive order recommending changes to the childhood vaccination schedule, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on August 17, 2026. The organisations say the recommendations to reduce and space out childhood vaccines are not supported by scientific evidence. They warn that the changes could reduce trust in childhood vaccination and leave children more vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases. The statement was released as measles cases are rising across the United States. The organisations also expressed concern over claims linking vaccines to autism, saying the claims are not supported by scientific evidence and warning that they could make vaccination decisions more difficult for families.

Influenza

H1N2

According to the CDC on August 21, 2026, two human cases of influenza A(H1N2)v were reported in Michigan in individuals under 18 years of age. Both patients had attended the same agricultural show where ill swine were present, though they had no contact with each other. Neither patient was hospitalized, one received antiviral treatment, and both are recovering. No additional cases linked to the show have been identified. 

H5N1

As of August 25, 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

According to CIDRAP on August 19, 2026, a new CDC study suggests that mpox is likely becoming endemic in some populations rather than being eliminated. Researchers found ongoing transmission despite vaccination efforts and public health interventions, indicating that the virus may continue to circulate at lower levels over the long term. The findings highlight the need for sustained surveillance, vaccination, and access to testing and treatment