Pandemiology Watch (September 30-October 6, 2026)
Russian researcher dies after suspected infection
According to CNN on 6 October 2026, a 28-year-old laboratory technician at a Russian institute specializing in plague and other infectious diseases has died after developing pneumonia of unknown origin. The researcher worked at the Irkutsk Research Anti-Plague Institute of Siberia, and several dozen people have reportedly been placed in isolation following her death. Russian authorities said that no microorganisms associated with the researcher’s work were detected in samples taken from her. However, regional authorities have introduced several anti-epidemic measures, including quarantining the hospital where she was treated and restricting admissions and discharges at several hospitals. The World Health Organization said the public health risk to the general population currently appears to be low, while noting that they are working with Russian authorities to verify the circumstances of the case and the laboratory results.
Ebola
According to the INRB-UMIE BDBV on October 5, 2026, Epidemic Dashboard, the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reached 8,665 confirmed cases and 4,178 confirmed deaths. A total of 2,259 patients have recovered.
Measles
US
As of October 2, 2026, the United States has reported 3,887 measles cases so far in 2026, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). In 2026, the age group 5-19 accounts for 43% of the cases (1,652), and children under 5 years account for 18% of the cases (683). Of the cases reported in 2026, 95% were unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status and 9% of the cases have been hospitalized (352). A total of 6,176 measles cases have been reported to date. CDC lists two measles-related deaths in the United States in 2026, although it remains unclear which deaths are included in the national count.
According to CIDRAP on 5 October 2026, Pennsylvania has reported 1,004 measles cases, including 198 hospitalizations. Pennsylvania has reported its fifth measles-associated death. Most of the cases were unvaccinated, with four cases reported among vaccinated people. Children under 18 accounted for 32% of cases, while the largest number of infections occurred among adults aged 25 to 49. In New York 108 cases have been confirmed, which led the governor to declare a state disaster emergency on 5 October in response to ongoing measles outbreaks.
Canada
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada on October 5, 2026, Canada has reported 1,121 measles cases (1,040 confirmed and 81 probable) in 2026 as of September 26. 61% of the cases occurred in children (677). 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 (964), and 7% required hospitalization. A total of 6,544 measles cases and two deaths have been reported to date.
Influenza
H5N1
As of October 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.
Mpox
From September 30-October 6, 2026, there have been no significant updates on mpox outbreaks worldwide.