Pandemiology Watch (March 4-10, 2026)
Influenza
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on March 6, 2026, 90 pediatric influenza deaths have been reported in the United States during the 2025-2026 flu season. In the latest weekly influenza surveillance report, 11 additional child deaths linked to influenza have been reported. Most of the children were not fully vaccinated against influenza. Seasonal flu activity remains elevated nationwide, though several indicators, including hospitalizations, have begun to decline.
H5N1
As of March 6, 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.
MEASLES
US.
According to NBC News on March 6, 2026, health officials in Utah say the ongoing measles outbreak is more severe than anticipated, with 358 confirmed cases reported since June 2025. Many patients described the illness as much worse than they expected, and health authorities warn that measles can cause serious complications. Officials emphasize that vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent infection and limit further spread as the outbreak continues to expand.
According to CIDRAP on March 9, 2026, health officials have reported an increase in measles activity in Colorado and North Dakota. Colorado recently reported three measles cases linked to an international traveler, while nine cases have been identified in Williams County in North Dakota.
As of March 6, 2026, the United States has reported 1281 measles cases so far in 2026, according to the Center for Disease Control. In 2026, the age group 5-19 accounts for 54% of the cases (698), and children under 5 years account for 23% of the cases (291). Of the cases reported in 2026, 93% were unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status and 5% of the cases have been hospitalized (62). A total of 3,564 measles cases and three deaths have been reported to date.
Canada.
As of March 9, 2026, Canada has reported 413 measles cases in 2026, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada. In 2026, 56% of the cases occurred in children (233). Manitoba accounts for 65% of the cases (269), and Alberta accounts for 21% of the cases (25) reported so far in 2026. 87% of the cases reported in 2026 were unvaccinated (358), and 5% required hospitalization. A total of 5,838 measles cases and two deaths have been reported to date.
MPOX
From March 4-10, 2026, there have been no significant updates on mpox outbreaks worldwide.