[ { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON618", "title": "Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus - Democratic Republic of the Congo", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON618", "summary": "Since the previous Disease Outbreak News was published on 11 September 2026, an additional 1133 confirmed cases, including 532 confirmed deaths, have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The seven-day moving average shows a resurgence in early September followed by a decline over the most recent reporting days. However, the aggregate national trend conceals substantial variation in transmission intensity across affected provinces and health zones. As of 23 September, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported a total of 7890 confirmed cases, including 3799 deaths (CFR 48.1%). A total of 1966 patients have recovered to date. Confirmed cases have been reported from 63 health zones across seven provinces, with 48 health zones from six provinces reporting at least one case in the last 21 days. Ituri remains the most affected province, with 28 of its 36 health zones reporting cases, followed by North Kivu (16/34), Tshopo (7/23), Haut-U\u00e9l\u00e9 (7/13), Bas-U\u00e9l\u00e9 (3/11), South Kivu (1/34), and Sud Ubangi (1/16). No new cases have been reported from South Kivu province since 29 May 2026. Dungu Health Zone in Haut-U\u00e9l\u00e9 province and Bulu in Sud Ubangi are the most recently affected areas. As of 23 September, 70 new confirmed cases had been reported in the preceding 24 hours from 26 health zones located in Ituri, North Kivu, Haut-U\u00e9l\u00e9, Bas U\u00e9l\u00e9 and Tshopo provinces. Figure 1. Distribution of cumulative confirmed cases of Bundibugyo virus disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as of 23 September Ituri continues to be the epicentre of the outbreak, accounting for 6032 confirmed cases since the start of the outbreak, including 868 new confirmed cases reported in the previous 21 days, as of 23 September. North Kivu is the second most affected province, with a cumulative number of 1480 confirmed cases, including 567 reported in the last 21 days, as of 23 September. North Kivu province continues to report the highest CFR (59.7%) observed in this outbreak; and investigations are ongoing to better understand the factors contributing to this elevated mortality rate. In Ituri, case incidence continues to decline gradually from the peak observed in mid-August, although transmission remains at elevated levels. North Kivu, in contrast, has experienced a substantial increase in incidence, reaching its highest reported level in mid-September, followed by a decline in recent reporting days. Haut-U\u00e9l\u00e9 continues to demonstrate sustained transmission, albeit at levels below the peak recorded in late August, while Tshopo is showing renewed transmission activity following a period of low incidence. In Bas-U\u00e9l\u00e9, transmission remains sporadic, whereas no recent evidence of transmission has been reported in Sud-Kivu. Sud Ubangi is the seventh province to report a confirmed case of BVD, with one case that was reported on 10 September (Figure 2). The number of individuals requiring follow-up as contact has also risen considerably with the expansion of the outbreak. As of 23 September, 83.4% of identified contacts were successfully monitored during the previous 24 hours with 26 980 contacts seen out of 32 342 requiring follow up. The large volume of contacts under surveillance highlights the extent of potential exposure within affected communities and the substantial demands placed on response operations. The response is being implemented in a challenging humanitarian environment, where conflict, insecurity, displacement, and limited access to basic services continue to affect outbreak control. These constraints continue to hamper surveillance, case finding, contact tracing, infection prevention and control, and timely access to appropriate care, thereby limiting the overall effectiveness of response activities. Figure 2: Number of confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, by date of notification, as of 23 September 2026 Figure 3: Number of deaths among confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo by date of notification, as of 23 September 2026.", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2026-09-25T15:30:18Z", "last_updated": "2026-09-25T15:30:18Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON617", "title": "Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus - Democratic Republic of the Congo", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON617", "summary": "Since the publication of the previous Disease Outbreak News on 28 August 2026, additional confirmed cases and deaths of Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) have been reported only in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As of 7 September 2026, a cumulative total of 6778 confirmed cases has been reported: 6757 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (including two cases diagnosed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and subsequently treated in Germany), 20 cases in Uganda and one case in France. Overall, 3269 deaths have been reported, including two in Uganda. As of 7 September, at least 1611 patients have recovered, including 1590 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 18 in Uganda, two in Germany and one in France. The sustained level of transmission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to pose a risk of cross-border spread. Health screening and surveillance activities remain operational at airports, ports, and official land border crossings; however, travel through informal crossing routes persists and may facilitate virus exportation, importation, and subsequent transmission. In this context, strengthened cross-border coordination, together with ongoing surveillance and preparedness efforts, remains critical to limiting further regional spread and supporting an effective public health response. Figure 1. Distribution of cumulative confirmed cases of Bundibugyo virus disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as of 7 September Democratic Republic of the Congo Since the previous Disease Outbreak News was published on 28 August 2026, an additional 963 confirmed cases, including 481 confirmed deaths, have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. While part of this increase may be attributable to strengthened surveillance activities, enhanced laboratory testing, improved diagnostic capacity, and reconciliation of previously unreported data, the continued growth in both cases and deaths also reflects sustained community transmission and significant geographic expansion of the outbreak. As of 7 September, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported a total of 6757 confirmed cases, including 3267 deaths (CFR 48.3%). A total of 1590 patients have recovered to date. Confirmed cases have been reported from 61 health zones (HZ) across six provinces, with 51 HZ from five provinces reporting at least one case in the last 21 days. Ituri remains the most affected province, with 28 of its 36 health zones reporting cases, followed by North Kivu (16/34), Tshopo (7/23), Haut-U\u00e9l\u00e9 (6/13), Bas-U\u00e9l\u00e9 (3/11), and South Kivu (1/34). No new cases have been reported from South Kivu province since 29 May 2026. Kayna HZ in North Kivu province is the most recently affected area. As of 7 September, 71 new confirmed cases had been reported in the preceding 24 hours from 17 health zones located in Ituri, North Kivu, and Haut-U\u00e9l\u00e9 provinces. Ituri continues to be the epicentre of the outbreak, accounting for 5406 confirmed cases since the start of the outbreak, including 1114 new confirmed cases reported in the previous 21 days, as of 7 September. North Kivu is the second most affected province, with a cumulative number of 1066 confirmed cases, including 453 reported in the last 21 days, as of 7 September. One of the highest CFR (65.4%) observed in this outbreak has been reported from North Kivu province; and investigations are ongoing to better understand the factors contributing to this elevated mortality rate. The number of individuals requiring follow-up as contact has also risen considerably with the expansion of the outbreak. As of 7 September, 85.3% of identified contacts were successfully monitored during the previous 24 hours with 21 359 contacts seen out of 24 719 requiring follow up. The large volume of contacts under surveillance highlights the extent of potential exposure within affected communities and the substantial demands placed on response operations. The outbreak continues to unfold within a complex humanitarian setting characterized by insecurity, armed conflict, and widespread population displacement. More than 26 million people are experiencing acute food insecurity, while approximately one million internally displaced persons reside in Ituri Province alone. Ongoing insecurity and displacement limit access to healthcare and essential services, constrain the ability of response teams to reach affected areas, and impede surveillance, case investigation and contact tracing activities. Overcrowding, limited water, sanitation and hygiene services, and restricted access to healthcare in mining communities, informal settlements and sites for internally displaced persons further undermine early case detection, infection prevention and control measures, and the provision of timely care. These conditions also reduce the effectiveness of response interventions and outreach efforts. Figure 2: Number of confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, by date of notification, as of 7 September 2026 Figure 3: Number of deaths among confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo by date of notification, as of 7 September 2026.", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2026-09-10T08:52:02Z", "last_updated": "2026-09-10T08:52:02Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON616", "title": "Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus - Democratic Republic of the Congo", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON616", "summary": "Since the previous Disease Outbreak News was published on 14 August 2026, additional confirmed cases and deaths of BVD have been reported only in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Cumulatively as of 26 August 2026, 5815 confirmed cases have been reported: 5794 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (including two cases diagnosed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and subsequently treated in Germany), 20 in Uganda and one in France. A total of 2788 deaths have been reported, including two in Uganda. As of 26 August, at least 1314 patients have recovered, including 1293 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 18 in Uganda, two in Germany and one in France. As of 27 August, the 42-day enhanced monitoring period, as per international guidance, has been completed in both France and Uganda. The continuing intensity of transmission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo means that the risk of further exportation across international borders remains. Entry and exit health screening and surveillance measures are in place at airports, ports and official land border crossings; however, movement through informal border crossing routes may occur, presenting an ongoing risk of virus exportation, importation and onward transmission. Therefore, cross\u2011border collaboration, and sustained surveillance and preparedness are essential to prevent further regional spread and ensure an effective public health response. On 27 August, vaccination of health care workers using the Ervebo vaccine was initiated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in some areas, including in Kisangani, Tshopo province. Although Ervebo is a safe vaccine, and effective against Ebola virus disease, it is not known whether it provides protection against the Bundibugyo virus in humans. Thus, starting a clinical trial of the vaccine, alongside this wider use, is key to provide important new evidence and inform future use of the vaccine. The second IHR Emergency Committee meeting regarding the epidemic of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo took place on 18 August. Following the advice of the Committee, the Director-General agreed that the ongoing outbreak remains a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, and issued updated temporary recommendations to countries. Figure 1. Distribution of cumulative confirmed cases of Bundibugyo virus disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as of 26 August Democratic Republic of the Congo Since 14 August 2026 when the last Disease Outbreak News was published, an additional 1129 confirmed cases, including 602 confirmed deaths, have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Although part of this increase likely reflects expanded surveillance, enhanced laboratory testing, improved diagnostic capacity, and periodic data backlog reconciliation, the sustained rise in number of cases and deaths are the result of continued transmission and substantial outbreak expansion. As of 26 August 2026, a total of 5794 confirmed cases, including 2786 deaths (CFR 48.1%), have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. To date, 1293 patients have recovered. Cases have been reported from 60 health zones (HZ) across six provinces. Ituri has 28 health zones affected out of 36, followed by North Kivu (15/34), Haut-U\u00e9l\u00e9 (6/13), Tshopo (7/23), South Kivu (1/34) and Bas U\u00e9l\u00e9 (3/11). The most recently affected province, Bas-U\u00e9l\u00e9, started reporting cases since 12 August. The most recently affected health zones are Biena and Manguredjipa in North Kivu province. As of 26 August, of the 60 affected health zones, 81 new confirmed cases were reported in the last 24 hours from 19 health zones in Ituri, North Kivu, Haut-U\u00e9l\u00e9, and Tshopo provinces. Ituri remains the epicentre of the outbreak, with 4802 confirmed cases reported since the start of the outbreak, including 52 new confirmed cases reported in the last 24 hours, as of 26 August. Nord-Kivu is the second most affected province, with a cumulative number of 775 confirmed cases, including 22 reported in the last 24 hours, as of 26 August. The highest CFR (68%) in this outbreak has been reported from North Kivu province; the reasons for this high CFR are under investigation. The number of individuals requiring contact monitoring has also increased substantially as the outbreak has expanded. As of 26 August, the proportion of contacts followed up in the last 24 hours is at 82.3% (22 091 seen out of 26 850 to follow up). The large number of contacts reflects the scale of potential exposure within affected communities. The outbreak is unfolding in a conflict-affected humanitarian context marked by insecurity, armed violence, and large-scale displacement. More than 26 million people face acute food insecurity, and an estimated one million internally displaced people live in Ituri Province alone. Insecurity and displacement disrupt access to health care and essential services, restrict access for response teams, and impede surveillance, case investigation and contact follow-up. Overcrowding, limited water, sanitation and hygiene services, and restricted access to healthcare in mining communities, informal settlements and sites for internally displaced people further hinder early detection, infection prevention, and appropriate care. These conditions also make it harder to implement response measures consistently and to reach affected populations. Figure 2: Number of confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, by date of notification, as of 26 August 2026 Figure 3: Number of deaths among confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo by date of notification, as of 26 August 2026 Between 18 May and 28 August 2026, enhanced public health intelligence conducted by WHO identified 76 Ebola-related signals across 23 countries and territories, supporting rapid verification, risk assessment and information sharing with national authorities through IHR National Focal Points. Most signals, 92% (70/76), including suspected cases among travellers and health-care workers and reports circulating in public sources, were subsequently ruled out through investigation and laboratory testing. The remaining six were confirmed as Ebola events.", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2026-08-28T15:31:07Z", "last_updated": "2026-08-28T15:31:07Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON615", "title": "Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus - Democratic Republic of the Congo", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON615", "summary": "Since the previous Disease Outbreak News was published on 1 August 2026, additional confirmed cases and deaths of BVD have been only reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Cumulatively as of 12 August 2026, 4686 confirmed cases have been reported: 4665 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (including two cases diagnosed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and subsequently treated in Germany), 20 in Uganda and one in France. A total of 2186 deaths have been reported, including two in Uganda. As of 12 August, at least 986 patients have recovered including 965 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 18 from Uganda have recovered, two in Germany and one from France. As reported in the Disease Outbreak News published on 1 August 2026, with more confirmed cases than the 2018-2020 outbreak, which reported 3,317 cases, this outbreak now represents the largest Ebola disease outbreak ever documented in the country. Figure 1. Distribution of cumulative confirmed cases of Bundibugyo virus disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as of 12 August Democratic Republic of the Congo Since 1 August 2026 when the last Disease Outbreak News was published, an additional 1060 confirmed cases, including 597 confirmed deaths, have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The increase is in part due to strengthened surveillance activities, enhanced laboratory testing, and diagnostic capacity. However, most of the increase reflects the expansion of the outbreak. As of 12 August 2026, a total of 4665 confirmed cases, including 2184 deaths (CFR 46.8%), have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. To date, 965 patients have recovered. Cases have been reported from 54 health zones (HZ) across six provinces: Ituri (28/36 HZ), North Kivu (12/34 HZ), South Kivu (1/34 HZ), Haut-U\u00e9l\u00e9 (6/13 HZ), Tshopo (6/23 HZ), and Bas- U\u00e9l\u00e9 (1/11 HZ). The most recently affected province, Bas-U\u00e9l\u00e9, reported one confirmed case in Buta Health Zone. The case had a travel history to Haut-U\u00e9l\u00e9, with symptom onset on 4 August. As of 12 August, of the 54 affected health zones, 100 new confirmed cases were reported in the last 24 hours from 22 health zones in all affected provinces except for Sud-Kivu. The highest number of new cases in the last 24 hours (67) was reported from Ituri province followed by Nord-Kivu (25). Ituri remains the most affected province, accounting for 85% (3979/4665) of all confirmed cases and 79% (1726/2184) of reported deaths nationwide. As of 12 August, the proportion of contacts followed up in the last 24 hours is at 84.2% (17 460 seen out of 20 740 to follow up). As of 9 August, infections among health workers continue, with at least 155 confirmed cases, including 45 deaths (CFR: 29%) and 68 recoveries since beginning of the outbreak. These infections highlight ongoing occupational exposure risks, persistent challenges in implementing infection prevention and control (IPC) in health-care facilities\u2014especially outside of the designated Ebola treatment centres which have more established protocols and access to supplies--and continued exposure risk in the community. The outbreak is taking place amid a severe humanitarian crisis and ongoing insecurity, characterized by large-scale population displacement, significant population mobility, and constrained access to critical services, including health care, safe water, food, shelter, and protection. Response efforts in the affected provinces have been hindered by insecurity and attacks on health facilities, which have curtailed access for response teams, discouraging potential patients from seeking care, disrupting surveillance and response activities and increasing the risk of undetected transmission. Since the declaration of the Ebola public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) on 17 May 2026, 12 attacks on health care have been recorded, with additional reports under verification. These challenges underscore the importance of community-centred response efforts led by local authorities and trusted community leaders. Figure 2: Number of confirmed cases (n = 4665), in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, by date of reporting and as of 12 August 2026 * Note that the large number of reported cases on 22 July represents the completion of a data reconciliation exercise, including cases that occurred earlier in the outbreak, rather than newly recorded cases. Figure 3: Number of deaths among confirmed cases (n = 2184), in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, by date of reporting, as of 12 August 2026 * Note that the large number of reported deaths on 22 July represents the completion of a data reconciliation exercise, including deaths that occurred earlier in the outbreak, rather than newly recorded deaths.", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2026-08-14T15:54:20Z", "last_updated": "2026-08-14T15:54:20Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON614", "title": "Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus - Democratic Republic of the Congo", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON614", "summary": "Since the previous Disease Outbreak News was published on 17 July 2026, additional confirmed cases and deaths have been reported only in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Cumulatively, 3626 confirmed cases have been reported: 3605 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (including two cases diagnosed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and subsequently treated in Germany), 20 in Uganda and one in France. A total of 1589 deaths have been reported, including two in Uganda. As of 30 July, at least 654 patients have recovered including 651 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,18 from Uganda, two in Germany and one in France. This outbreak is now the largest recorded Ebola disease outbreak in the country, surpassing the previous largest outbreak, which occurred from 2018 to 2020, and resulted in 3317 confirmed cases. Figure 1. Distribution of cumulative confirmed cases of Bundibugyo virus disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as of 30 July Democratic Republic of the Congo Since 17 July 2026 when the last Disease Outbreak News was published, an additional 1481 confirmed cases, including 759 confirmed deaths, have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The increase is in part due to expansion of surveillance activities, enhanced laboratory testing, and diagnostic capacity. However, most of the increase reflects the expansion of the outbreak. As of 30 July 2026, a total of 3605 confirmed cases, including 1587 deaths (CFR 44%), have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. To date, 651 patients have recovered. Cases have been reported from 49 health zones (HZ) across five provinces: Ituri (28/36 HZ), North Kivu (11/34 HZ), South Kivu (1/34 HZ), Haut- U\u00e9l\u00e9 (5/13 HZ) and Tshopo (4/23 HZ).[1] An additional HZ, Wanie-Rukula in Tshopo, is awaiting data harmonisation at the health province level. Of the 49 affected health zones, the outbreak remains active in 33, with confirmed cases reported within the past seven days. During this period, 641 confirmed cases, including 282 confirmed deaths, were reported. Ituri remains the most affected province, accounting for 88% (3176/3605) of all confirmed cases and 82.6% (1311/1587) of reported deaths nationwide. Within the province, the highest number of confirmed cases have been reported from Bunia (880 cases), Rwampara (627 cases), Mongbwalu (541 cases), Nizi (377 cases), Lita (131 cases), and Nyankunde (114 cases) health zones. As of 30 July, 17 863 contacts have been identified and are under follow-up across Ituri (11 638), North Kivu (5667), Haut-U\u00e9l\u00e9 (458) and 65 in Tshopo. Of these, 13 455 contacts were under active follow-up, corresponding to follow-up rates of 75.5% in Ituri, 74.6% in North Kivu, 80.6% in Haut-U\u00e9l\u00e9, and 66.2% in Tshopo. Previously identified contacts in South Kivu have completed the required 21-day follow-up period. Infections among health workers continue, with 151 confirmed cases, including 44 deaths (CFR: 29%) and 68 recoveries. These infections highlight ongoing occupational exposure risks, persistent challenges in implementing infection prevention and control (IPC) in health-care facilities, and continued exposure risk in the community. The outbreak is occurring in a complex humanitarian and conflict-affected setting, characterized by population displacement, high population mobility, and limited access to essential services, including health care, clean water, food, shelter, and protection. These conditions increase the risk of disease transmission, including in overcrowded sites for internally displaced persons (IDPs). Insecurity and attacks affecting health facilities have hampered response operations in affected provinces, by restricting access for response teams, disrupting surveillance and response activities and increasing the risk of undetected transmission. These challenges underscore the importance of community-centred response efforts led by local authorities and trusted community leaders. Figure 2: Number of confirmed cases (n = 3605), in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, by date of reporting, as of 30 July 2026 * Note that the large number of reported cases on 22 July represents the completion of a data reconciliation exercise, including cases that occurred earlier in the outbreak, rather than newly recorded cases. Figure 3: Number of deaths among confirmed cases (n = 1587), in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, by date of reporting, as of 30 July 2026. * Note that the large number of reported deaths on 22 July represents the completion of a data reconciliation exercise, including deaths that occurred earlier in the outbreak, rather than newly recorded deaths.", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2026-08-01T10:46:53Z", "last_updated": "2026-08-01T10:46:53Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON613", "title": "Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus, Democratic Republic of the Congo & Uganda", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON613", "summary": "Since the previous Disease Outbreak News was published on 3 July 2026, the number of confirmed cases and deaths has increased substantially in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In total, 2145 confirmed cases have been reported: 2124 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (including two cases with diagnosis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and subsequent treatment in Germany), 20 in Uganda and one in France. A total of 830 deaths has been reported, including two in Uganda. To date, at least 410 patients have recovered, including 390 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 18 in Uganda, one in France, and one in Germany. Figure 1. Distribution of cumulative confirmed cases of Bundibugyo virus disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as of 15 July and Uganda as of 17 July Democratic Republic of the Congo Since 3 July 2026, an additional 664 confirmed cases, including 376 confirmed deaths, have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The increase is in part due to the scale-up of surveillance activities, testing, and diagnostic capacities. As of 15 July 2026, a total of 2124 confirmed cases, including 828 deaths (crude case fatality ratio [CFR] 39%) have been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo. So far, 390 patients have recovered. Cases have been reported from 46 health zones (HZ) across five provinces: Ituri (27/36 HZ), North Kivu (11/34 HZ), South Kivu (1/34 HZ), Haut-Uele (4/13 HZ) and Tshopo (3/23 HZ). Of the 46 affected health zones, the outbreak remains active in 38 health zones, which have reported cases within the past 21 days. The remaining health zones have not reported any new cases during this period. In the past 21 days, 969 confirmed cases, including 524 confirmed deaths, have been reported. Ituri remains the most affected province, accounting for 89.6% (1904/2124) of all confirmed cases and 83.6% (692/828) of all reported deaths nationwide. Within the province, the highest number of confirmed cases have been reported from Bunia (570 cases), Rwampara (418 cases), Mongbwalu (347 cases), Nizi (148 cases), and Nyankunde (99 cases) health zones. As of 15 July, 12 693 contacts have been identified and are under follow-up across Ituri (10 183), North Kivu (2360) and Tshopo (150). Of these, 10 195 contacts have been followed up, corresponding to follow-up rates of 78.1% in Ituri, 50.0% in Tshopo and 91.7% in North Kivu. Previously listed contacts in South Kivu have completed their 21-day followup. In addition, 107 contacts of the case reported in France have been listed and are under follow-up in Kinshasa. Infections among health workers continued to increase, with 119 confirmed cases, 61 recoveries and 36 deaths reported among health workers, corresponding to a CFR of 30.3%. This highlights persistent occupational exposure risks, inadequate infection prevention and control (IPC) implementation in health facilities, and exposure risk in the community. The outbreak continues in a complex humanitarian and conflict-affected environment, characterized by highly mobile and often displaced populations, many of whom have limited access to basic services, including food, clean water, shelter, health care and protection. These conditions increase the risk of transmission, particularly in overcrowded sites for internally displaced people. Security incidents affecting health facilities, have created additional operational challenges in affected provinces, including restricted access for response teams, disruption of surveillance and response activities and an increased risk of undetected transmission. These conditions underscore the need for response efforts to be led by local leaders and anchored in communities. Figure 2: Number of confirmed cases (n = 2124), in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, by date of reporting and as of 15 July 2026 Figure 3: Number of deaths among confirmed cases (n = 828), in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, by date of reporting and as of 15 July 2026. NB: Newly reported confirmed cases/deaths may be part of the backlog of samples and therefore not necessarily newly acquired infections. Uganda The last confirmed case was reported to be identified on 21 June 2026. As of 14 July 2026, a cumulative total of 20 confirmed cases have been reported, including two deaths in imported cases (reported on 15 May and 5 June) and one probable case resulting in death. Of the confirmed cases, 15 were imported cases and five were secondary cases among contacts and health workers linked to imported cases from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. All cases were reported in Kampala District. To date, no community transmission has been in Uganda. Exposure risks have been associated with health-care settings and cross-border movements. Following case reclassification, the number of affected healthcare workers was revised from five to four. In total, 18 recoveries have been reported. Of the 831 contacts listed as of 28 June, 821 contacts have completed their 21-day follow-up period as of 14 July. The most recent case was discharged from the treatment centre on 16 July after two negative tests results. This marks the start of the 42-day countdown period (twice the maximum incubation period) to ensure surveillance activities continue to be implemented and detect any cases that were missed before the declaration of the end of the outbreak. Given the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the risk of importation still exists. Figure 4: Number of confirmed cases (n = 20), in Uganda by date of reporting and as of 17 July 2026 France No additional BVD cases have been reported in France since the previous update. The imported confirmed BVD case reported on 24 June recovered and was discharged from the healthcare facility on 4 July after two negative PCR test results. No secondary transmission has been identified among the five low-risk flight contacts placed under precautionary quarantine. These contacts completed their follow-up period on 14 July. French authorities have been monitoring these individuals in coordination with relevant regional public health authorities as well as with the National IHR Focal Points of Belgium and the Netherlands who conducted an individual risk assessment. None of the contacts developed symptoms, and no addtional at-risk individuals have been identified. Germany A physician from the United States working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was medically evacuated and treated in Germany in May 2026. The patient recovered and was discharged. No secondary cases were reported. A second United States citizen, a humanitarian worker, tested positive for Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo in July 2026 and was medically evacuated to a university hospital in Frankfurt/Main, Germany. The patient is reported to be in stable condition.", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2026-07-17T16:51:09Z", "last_updated": "2026-07-17T16:51:09Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON612", "title": "Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus, Democratic Republic of the Congo & Uganda", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON612", "summary": "Since the last Disease Outbreak News was published on 19 June 2026, the number of confirmed cases and deaths have increased rapidly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In total, 1481 confirmed cases; 1460 from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 20 from Uganda and one from France (linked to DRC); and 454 deaths including two from Uganda, have been reported. At least 229 patients have recovered from the disease; 213 patients from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and 16 patients from Uganda. Figure 1. Distribution of confirmed cases of Bundibugyo virus disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as of 1 July and Uganda as of 2 July Democratic Republic of the Congo Since 19 June when the last Disease Outbreak News was published, an additional 564 confirmed cases, including 220 confirmed deaths, have been reported from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The increase is in part due to the scale up of surveillance activities, testing and diagnostic capacities. As of 1 July 2026, a total of 1460 confirmed cases including 452 deaths (crude case fatality ratio [CFR] 30.9%) have been reported from the Democratic Republic of Congo. So far, 213 patients have recovered. Cases have been reported from 36 health zones (HZ) from Ituri (24/36 HZ), North Kivu (11/35 HZ) and South Kivu provinces (1/34 HZ).[1] To date, 102 confirmed cases including 25 deaths have been reported among health and care workers. Of the 36 affected health zones, the outbreak remains active in 21 health zones from where cases have been reported in the past 21 days. The remaining health zones have not reported any new cases during this period. In the past 21 days, 838 confirmed cases, including 314 confirmed deaths, have been reported. Ituri Province remains the most affected, accounting for 91.3% (1333/1460) of all confirmed cases and 84% (380/452) of all reported deaths nationwide. Within the province, the highest number of confirmed cases have been reported from Bunia (416 cases), Rwampara (308 cases), Mongbwalu (270 cases), Nyankunde (95 cases), and Nizi (65 cases) health zones. As of 1 July, the outbreak has spread to three additional health zones in the province. Following epidemiological investigations, three confirmed cases with travel history from Nia Nia health zone in Ituri province have been reported on 30 June in Wamba health zone in Haut Uele Province and Kisangani in Tshopo province. These cases have been reported under Nia Nia health zone. Response activities, including contact tracing and follow-up, are ongoing in both provinces. Of the total confirmed cases, 17 are yet to be assigned to a specific health zone.As of 1 July, 10 821 contacts have been identified and are under follow-up across Ituri (8376), and North Kivu (2445). Of these, 8954 contacts have been followed up, corresponding to follow-up rates of 83.2% in Ituri, and 81% in North Kivu. Previously listed contacts from South Kivu province have completed 21 days of follow up. In addition, 107 contacts of the case reported in France have been listed and are under follow up in Kinshasa. The outbreak is unfolding in a complex humanitarian and conflict-affected environment, characterized by highly mobile and often displaced populations, often lacking access to basic services, including food, clean water, shelter, healthcare and protection which poses an increased risk of transmission to the populations living in overcrowded internally displaced camps. These dynamics, combined with increasing security-related incidents affecting health facilities, have posed additional operational challenges in affected provinces, such as constrained access for response teams, disrupted surveillance and response activities, and heightened risk of undetected transmission. These conditions underscore the need for response efforts to be led by local leaders and anchored in communities. Figure 2: Number of confirmed cases (n = 1460), in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, by date of reporting, as of 1 July 2026 Figure 3: Number of deaths among confirmed cases (n = 452), in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, by date of reporting, as of 1 July 2026. NB: Newly reported confirmed cases/deaths may be part of the backlog of samples and therefore not necessarily newly acquired infections. Uganda The last confirmed case was reported to be identified on 21 June 2026. As of 2 July 2026, a cumulative of 20 confirmed cases including two deaths in imported cases (reported on 15 May and 5 June), and one probable case who has died, have been reported. Of the confirmed cases, 15 are imported cases, while five are secondary cases among contacts and health workers with links to imported cases from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The cases have been reported in two districts, Kampala and Wakiso, both part of the Kampala Metropolitan Area. To date, there has been no documented community transmission in Uganda. Exposure risks are associated with healthcare settings and cross-border movements. Following case reclassification, the number of affected healthcare workers was revised from five to four. In total, 16 recoveries have been reported to date. Of the 831 contacts listed as of 28 June, 821 contacts have completed their 21-day follow-up period as of 2 July. Figure 4: Number of confirmed cases (n = 20), in Uganda by date of reporting, as of 2 July 2026 France: On 24 June 2026, French authorities notified WHO of a laboratory-confirmed case of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in a middle-aged male medical doctor returning from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The patient had been deployed for five weeks in Ituri Province, where he was involved in the care of patients with BVD. Upon arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport on 23 June 2026, the patient self-reported symptoms to airport health authorities, prompting immediate isolation and referral to a designated high-containment healthcare facility. At the time of reporting, the patient was clinically stable and had no fever, with no reported vomiting, diarrhoea, or haemorrhagic manifestations during travel. PCR testing detected Bundibugyo virus. Comprehensive contact tracing has been initiated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in France.", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2026-07-03T15:31:57Z", "last_updated": "2026-07-03T15:31:57Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON611", "title": "Hantavirus outbreak linked to cruise ship travel, Multi-locations", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON611", "summary": "On 2 May 2026, in accordance with the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR), WHO received a notification from the National IHR Focal Point (NFP) of the United Kingdom of a cluster of severe acute respiratory illness aboard the Netherlands-flagged cruise ship M/V Hondius, with further details rapidly notified authorities in the Netherlands and South Africa. As of 2 July, a total of 13 cases (12 confirmed and one probable case), including three deaths (two confirmed and one probable), have been reported globally linked to the cruise ship. The case fatality ratio for this outbreak to date is 23%. Since the last Disease Outbreak News was published on 28 May 2026, ANDV infection was laboratory confirmed in a probable case in Tristan da Cunha who developed signs and symptoms after disembarkation from the cruise ship. The early detection and isolation of the case prevented further transmission of the virus, but the limited diagnostic capacities on the island delayed the confirmation of the case until a sample was shipped and tested in the United Kingdom. The patient has recovered and has been discharged. Among the confirmed cases admitted to hospital, eight have recovered and been discharged, while two, one in South Africa and one in France, continue to be hospitalized. All 13 cases are among people who travelled on board the M/V Hondius. Figure 1. Epidemiological curve of Andes hantavirus cases (n = 13) reported to WHO as of 2 July 2026. Nine of the reported cases were males, and four were females. The median age was 65-years-old (IQR 56-70), similar to the median age of the passengers onboard the ship (Figure 2). The ages of the three deceased cases were 69, 70 and 79-years-old. Figure 2. Age and sex distribution of Andes hantavirus cases (n = 13) reported to WHO as of 2 July 2026. Currently available information suggests that infection of initial cases was likely acquired on land prior to embarkation, although the exact source and route of exposure remain undetermined, with subsequent human-to-human transmission occurring aboard the vessel. Investigations remain underway to establish the circumstances and source of the outbreak, including genomic sequencing of ANDV samples from surveillance cases in Chile and Argentina, and will be published as soon as these are available. This outbreak was managed through a coordinated international response, which included comprehensive epidemiological investigations, case isolation and clinical management, medical evacuations, laboratory testing, repatriation of passengers and crew from the ship and international contact tracing, as well as quarantine and monitoring measures. Contact identification and follow-up of contacts of hantavirus cases linked to the cruise ship has been conducted in 33 countries and overseas territories. This included passengers and crew onboard the ship, contacts of the case on Tristan da Cunha, contacts from two different international flights, healthcare workers and airport crew who assisted cases before the detection of the outbreak. As of 2 July 2026, 317 high-risk contacts have completed quarantine and monitoring by local health authorities in the countries and territories where they were repatriated, evacuated or identified. Some 336 low-risk contacts completed self-monitoring in line with the updated guidance on management of contacts of Andes virus (ANDV) cases from the MV Hondius cruise ship published on 17 May 2026.", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2026-07-02T18:27:48Z", "last_updated": "2026-07-02T18:27:48Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON609", "title": "Nipah virus disease - India", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON609", "summary": "On 11 June 2026, WHO was informed of a laboratory-confirmed case of Nipah virus infection reported in Kozhikode district, Kerala State. Initial positive results were obtained through PCR testing at local laboratories and were subsequently confirmed by RT\u2011PCR at the National Institute of Virology, Pune. The case is an adult male resident of Kozhikode district. He developed symptoms on 30 May 2026 and was admitted to hospital on 10 June 2026. The clinical presentation was primarily neurological, without reported respiratory symptoms prior to intubation. The patient is on ventilatory support in the ICU. Following confirmation of the case, extensive contact tracing was initiated. As of 18 June 2026, a total of 104 contacts had been identified, including four very high-risk, 14 high-risk, and 86 low-risk contacts. Among these, 45 are health and care workers. All contacts are under active monitoring with regular follow-up, and no secondary cases have been reported to date. This event follows a pattern of recurrent Nipah virus outbreaks in Kerala, including in Kozhikode district, since the first outbreak was reported in 2018. Additional outbreaks occurred in 2019, 2021, 2023, 2025, and 2026 according to the NCDC Communicable Disease Alert.", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2026-06-25T15:43:28Z", "last_updated": "2026-06-25T15:43:28Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON610", "title": "Yellow fever - Global", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON610", "summary": "Globally, in 2025 and early 2026, sylvatic yellow fever (YF) transmission in high-risk areas has been strongly influenced by rainfall, temperature and mosquito ecology. In 2025, the epidemiological situation was defined by sustained transmission in Africa and a notable rise in the Americas, including spread into lower\u2011risk zones. African Region: Twenty-six countries in the WHO African Region and one in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region are considered high-risk for YF as per EYE strategy classification. Of these 27 countries, 26 have introduced the yellow fever vaccine in their routine immunization schedule, however coverage in many countries remains below target with an average coverage of 65% across the region in 2024. Since 2023, eight countries with no recent activity have detected new cases, indicating viral circulation in areas with low vaccination coverage and limited surveillance capacity. In 2025, two outbreaks were recorded (in Angola and in Central African Republic) along with several events that required emergency vaccination. From January to May 2026, 16 confirmed cases were reported in three countries (Burkina Faso, Central African Republic and Cameroon), with additional suspected cases under investigation reported in five countries (Angola, C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire, Gabon, Ghana, and Nigeria). Most infections are linked to ongoing sylvatic transmission spilling over into rural, under\u2011immunized communities. Recurrent events are straining health systems and increasing the risk of cross\u2011border spread. Region of the Americas: All 13 countries at high-risk for YF as per EYE strategy classification include the vaccine in their routine immunization, but coverage varies widely. After limited activity in 2024, transmission expanded sharply in 2025, including into areas that had not reported cases for decades. The region recorded 241 cases and 100 deaths between late 2024 and early 2025, an eightfold increase from the previous year. From January to May 2026, six countries (Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela) reported 79 confirmed cases, with Colombia most affected due to sylvatic exposure and travel by unvaccinated visitors. Ecological suitability for mosquito vectors, uneven vaccination coverage, increased human mobility, and the expansion of urban areas into forested environments continue to facilitate viral transmission. Other Regions: In regions outside Africa and the Americas, the risk of YF is primarily associated with imported cases, as no established local transmission cycles are present. Many countries require proof of vaccination for travellers from at\u2011risk areas. No imported cases were detected in 2025\u20132026, but ongoing transmission elsewhere, expanding vector habitats, rapid urbanization, and high international mobility mean the risk of introduction persists. The impact of any imported case would depend on rapid detection and the ability to respond effectively in areas where competent mosquito vectors are present.", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2026-06-24T15:23:22Z", "last_updated": "2026-06-24T15:23:22Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON608", "title": "Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus, Democratic Republic of the Congo & Uganda", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON608", "summary": "Since the last Disease Outbreak News was published on 13 June 2026, the number of confirmed cases and deaths have increased rapidly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In total, 915 confirmed cases; 896 from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and 19 from Uganda; and 234 deaths including two from Uganda, have been reported. At least 88 patients have recovered from the disease; 78 patients from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and 10 patients from Uganda. Figure 1. Distribution of confirmed cases of Bundibugyo virus disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as of 17 June; and Uganda, as of 18 June Democratic Republic of the Congo Since 13 June when the last Disease Outbreak News was published, an additional 220 confirmed cases, including 96 confirmed deaths, have been reported from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The increase is in part due to the scale up of testing and diagnostic capacities, enabling testing of the backlog of previously collected samples. As of 17 June 2026, a total of 896 confirmed cases including 232 deaths (case fatality ratio [CFR] 26%) have been reported from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The reported CFR is likely an underestimation, as many deaths that occurred before the outbreak declaration remain under investigation. So far, 78 patients have recovered. Cases have been reported from 33 health zones (HZ) from Ituri (21/36 HZ), North Kivu (11/35 HZ) and South Kivu provinces (1/34 HZ)[1]. The outbreak remains concentrated in Ituri Province, which accounts for 91.1% (817) of the confirmed cases with a CFR of 22.7% (186/817). The highest number of confirmed cases in Ituri Province are reported from Bunia (247 cases), Rwampara (195 cases), Mongbwalu (189 cases), and Nyankunde (68 cases) health zones. So far, the epicentre of the outbreak remains Ituri, with new confirmed cases reported from an additional four health zones as of 17 June. However, the identification of cases in some of these newly reporting health zones may reflect previously undetected transmission rather than recent introduction of the virus. Epidemiological investigations indicate that transmission had likely been occurring in some of these areas for several weeks before the first cases were confirmed and reported. Of the total confirmed cases, 17 are awaiting distribution by health zone. As of 17 June, 6367 contacts have been identified and are under follow-up across Ituri (4659), North Kivu (1628), and South Kivu (80) provinces. Of these, 4525 contacts have been followed up, corresponding to follow-up rates of 70.8% in Ituri, 70.5% in North Kivu, and 100% in South Kivu. The outbreak is unfolding in a complex humanitarian and conflict-affected environment, characterized by highly mobile and often displaced populations, often lacking access to basic services, including food, clean water, shelter, healthcare and protection which poses an increased risk to the populations living in overcrowded internally displaced camps. These dynamics, combined with increasing security-related incidents affecting health facilities, have posed additional operational challenges in affected provinces, such as constrained access for response teams, disrupted surveillance and response activities, and heightened risk of undetected transmission. These conditions underscore the need for response efforts to be led by local leaders and anchored in communities. Figure 2: Number of confirmed cases (n = 896), in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, by date of reporting as of 17 June 2026 Figure 3: Number of deaths among confirmed cases (n = 232), in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, by date of reporting as of 17 June 2026 NB: Newly reported confirmed cases/deaths may be part of the backlog of samples and therefore not necessarily newly acquired infections. Uganda The last confirmed case was reportedly identified on 5 June 2026. As of 18 June 2026, a cumulative of 19 confirmed cases including two deaths in imported cases (reported on 15 May and 5 June), and one probable case who has died, have been reported. Of the confirmed cases, 14 cases are imported and five are secondary transmission among contacts and health workers following cases imported from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The cases have been reported from two districts, Kampala and Wakiso, both part of the Kampala Metropolitan Area. To date, there has been no documented community transmission in Uganda. Exposure risks are associated with healthcare settings and cross-border movements. Following case reclassification, the number of affected healthcare workers was revised from five to four. In total 10 recoveries have been reported to date. Of the 826 contacts listed as of 18 June, a total of 122 contacts are under active follow up and 694 contacts have completed their 21-day follow-up period. Figure 4: Number of confirmed cases (n = 19), in Uganda by date of reporting as of 18 June 2026", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2026-06-19T12:51:03Z", "last_updated": "2026-06-19T12:51:03Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON607", "title": "Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus, Democratic Republic of the Congo & Uganda", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON607", "summary": "Since the last Disease Outbreak News was published on 8 June 2026, the number of confirmed cases and deaths have increased rapidly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In total, 695 confirmed cases; 676 from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and 19 from Uganda; and 138 deaths including two from Uganda, have been reported from both countries, while at least 37 people have recovered from the disease. Figure 1. Distribution of confirmed cases of Bundibugyo virus disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as of 10 June; and Uganda, as of 11 June Democratic Republic of the Congo Since 8 June, an additional 161 confirmed cases, including 45 confirmed deaths, have been reported from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The increase is in part due to the scale up of testing and diagnostic capacities, enabling testing of the backlog of previously collected samples. As of 10 June 2026, a total of 676 confirmed cases including 136 deaths (CFR 20.1%) have been reported from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The reported CFR is likely an underestimation, as many deaths that occurred before the outbreak declaration remain under investigation. So far, 32 patients have recovered. Cases have been reported from 29 health zones (HZ) from Ituri (19/36 HZ), North Kivu (9/35 HZ) and South Kivu provinces (1/34 HZ) [1]. Sixteen confirmed cases have been reported among health and care workers to date. The outbreak remains concentrated in Ituri Province, which accounts for 93% (629) of the confirmed cases with a CFR of 17.3% (109/629). The highest number of confirmed cases in Ituri Province are reported from Bunia (185 cases), Rwampara (137 cases), Mongbwalu (132 cases), and Nyankunde (33 cases) health zones. While the epicentre remains Ituri, there has been significant geographic expansion of health zones with confirmed cases since 8 June, with confirmed cases in additional four health zone as of 10 June. Of the total confirmed cases, 94 are awaiting distribution by HZ. As of 10 June, 5768 contacts have been identified and are under follow-up across Ituri (4703), North Kivu (841), and South Kivu (224) provinces. Of these, 4141 contacts have been followed up, corresponding to follow-up rates of 71.4% in Ituri, 71% in North Kivu, and 83.5% in South Kivu. The outbreak is unfolding in a complex humanitarian and conflict-affected environment, characterized by highly mobile and often displaced populations. These dynamics, combined with increasing security-related incidents affecting health facilities, have posed additional operational challenges in affected provinces, such as constrained access for response teams, disrupted surveillance and response activities, and heightened risk of undetected transmission. These conditions underscore the need for response efforts to be led by local leaders and anchored in communities. Figure 2: Number of confirmed cases (n = 676) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, by date of reporting as of 10 June 2026 NB: Newly reported confirmed cases/deaths may be part of the back log of samples and therefore not necessarily newly acquired infections. Uganda Since the last update dated 8 June, no additional confirmed cases or death have been reported from Uganda. As of 10 June 2026, a cumulative of 19 confirmed cases including two deaths in imported cases, and one probable case who has died, have been reported. Of the confirmed cases, 14 cases are imported and five are secondary transmission among contacts and health workers following cases imported from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The cases have been reported from two districts, Kampala and Wakiso, both part of the Kampala Metropolitan Area. To date, there has been no documented community transmission in Uganda. Exposure risks are associated with healthcare settings and cross-border movements. Five recoveries have been reported to date. Of the 820 contacts listed as of 11 June, a total of 409 contacts are under active follow up and 394 contacts have completed their 21-day follow-up period. Figure 3: Number of confirmed cases (n = 19) in Uganda by date of reporting as of 11 June 2026", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2026-06-13T08:15:15Z", "last_updated": "2026-06-13T08:15:15Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON606", "title": "Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus, Democratic Republic of the Congo & Uganda", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON606", "summary": "Since the last Disease Outbreak News was published on 29 May 2026, the number of confirmed cases and deaths have increased rapidly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. In total, 534 confirmed cases including 93 deaths (case fatality rate [CFR] 17.4%) have been reported from both countries, while at least 17 people have recovered from the disease. Figure 1. Distribution of confirmed cases of Bundibugyo virus disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, as of 6 June 2026 Democratic Republic of the Congo Since 29 May, an additional 390 confirmed cases including 74 confirmed deaths have been reported from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The increase is in part due to the scale up of testing and diagnostic capacities, enabling testing of the backlog of previously collected samples. As of 6 June 2026, a total of 515 confirmed cases including 91 deaths (CFR 17.7%) have been reported from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The reported CFR is likely an underestimation as many deaths that occurred before the outbreak declaration remain under investigation. So far, 12 patients have recovered. Cases have been reported from 25 health zones (HZ) from Ituri (17/36 HZ), North Kivu (7/35 HZ) and South Kivu Provinces (1/34 HZ)[1]. Sixteen confirmed cases have been reported among health and care workers to date. The outbreak remains concentrated in Ituri Province, which accounts for 94% (487) of confirmed cases. The CFR in Ituri is 15% (74/487); significantly lower than the CFR in North Kivu which is 64% (16/25). The highest confirmed case numbers in Ituri Province are reported from Bunia (142 cases), Rwampara (98 cases), Mongbwalu (92 cases), and Nyankunde (24 cases) HZ. As of 6 June, 5040 contacts had been identified and were under follow-up across Ituri (4118), North Kivu (699), and South Kivu (223) provinces. Of these, 2535 contacts were followed up in the last 24 hours, corresponding to follow-up rates of 43.2% in Ituri, 82.5% in North Kivu, and 80.3% in South Kivu.Increasing security-related incidents affecting health facilities have posed additional operational challenges in affected provinces. These conditions are constraining access for the response, disrupting surveillance and response activities, and increasing the risk of undetected transmission. Such incidents underline the challenges of the context and the importance of working closely with local leaders and communities. Figure 2: Number of confirmed cases (n = 515), including deaths, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, by date of reporting and as of 6 June 2026 NB: Newly reported confirmed cases/deaths may be part of the back log of samples and therefore not necessarily newly acquired infections. Uganda Since the last update dated 29 May, an additional 10 confirmed cases and one death have been reported from Uganda. As of 6 June 2026, a total of 19 confirmed cases including two deaths in imported cases, and one probable case who has died, have been reported. Five recoveries have been reported. Of the total cases, 14 cases are imported and five are Ugandans. The cases were reported from two districts Kampala and Wakiso. To date, all cases in Uganda can be linked to travelers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, or secondary infections linked to them; there has been no documented community transmission in Uganda. Exposure risks are associated with healthcare settings and cross-border movements. About 70% of the cases are Congolese nationals who came to Uganda to seek medical care. This includes a Congolese national who travelled from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, via Uganda, to the United Arab Emirates and then back to Uganda. WHO is working with public health authorities in the United Arab Emirates and Uganda to gather additional information to assess the risk of exposure and facilitate contact tracing through the National International Health Regulations (IHR) Focal Point mechanism. Based on the information available to date, there is no evidence that the case exhibited clearly recognized symptoms consistent with BVD during travel to or from the United Arab Emirates. Following notification of the case, UAE authorities rapidly implemented risk assessment, contact tracing activities, follow-up of identified contacts, public health investigations, enhanced preparedness measures at points of entry, and coordination with relevant national and international partners. Epidemiological investigations to date have not identified any secondary cases, local transmission, or evidence of onward spread in the UAE. The findings support the conclusion that the risk of the transmission associated with this event in the United Arab Emirates is low. As of 2 June, a total of 668 contacts linked to the cases have been identified and are under follow-up. These include close residential contacts and hospital contacts where the cases were hospitalized. Figure 3: Number of confirmed cases (n = 19), including deaths, in Uganda by date of reporting and as of 6 June 2026", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2026-06-08T13:12:23Z", "last_updated": "2026-06-08T13:12:23Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON605", "title": "Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus, Democratic Republic of the Congo & Uganda", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON605", "summary": "Since the last Disease Outbreak News was published on 21 May 2026, the number of suspected and confirmed cases has increased rapidly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In total, 906 suspected cases, including 223 deaths among suspected cases have been reported from Democratic Republic of the Congo; and 134 confirmed cases (nine in Uganda), including 18 deaths (one in Uganda) (CFR 14%) have been reported from the two countries as of 29 May. Additionally, a medical doctor from the United States of America who was exposed as part of their work caring for patients in the Democratic Republic of the Congo tested positive on 17 May and was transported to Germany for treatment and care. Figure 1. Distribution of suspected and confirmed cases of Bundibugyo virus disease in Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, as of 29 May 2026 Democratic Republic of the Congo Since the last update dated 21 May, an additional 42 confirmed cases including eight deaths and 160 suspected cases including 47 deaths have been reported from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As of 27 May 2026, a total of 125 confirmed cases including 17 deaths (CFR 14%); and 906 suspected cases including 223 deaths have been reported from 13 health zones (HZ) in Ituri (7/36 HZ), North Kivu (5/35 HZ) and South Kivu Provinces (1/34 HZ) [1]. Sixteen confirmed cases have been reported among health and care workers to date. Epidemiological and laboratory investigations are ongoing to reclassify all suspected cases and deaths reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The outbreak remains concentrated in Ituri Province, which accounts for 88% (110) of confirmed cases. The highest confirmed case numbers in Ituri Province are reported from Bunia (37 cases), Rwampara (33 cases), Mongbwalu (20 cases), and Nyankunde (10 cases) HZ. Of the 17 deaths among confirmed cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 10 were male (nine were over 15 years old and one under 15) and seven were female (five over 15 years old and two under 15). A total of 774 samples have been collected as of 27 May. Of these, 648 samples (84%) have been analyzed, with 125 testing positive, representing a test positivity rate (TPR) of 19.2%. This is likely an underestimation of the actual positivity rate as over 100 samples are still awaiting testing and have been sent to Kinshasa for further analysis. As of 27 May, 2635 contacts have been listed in Ituri and North Kivu provinces. Security incidents against health facilities, and community resistance, have recently emerged as major operational challenges in Ituri Province, with three recent incidents reported in Mongbwalu and Rwampara HZ. These create additional risks for undetected transmission, disrupt outbreak response efforts, and reinforce the need to strengthen community protection and engagement activities Figure 2: Number of confirmed cases (n=125) and deaths (n=17) by date of reporting in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as of 27 May 2026 Source: Ministry of Health, Democratic Republic of the Congo NB: Newly reported confirmed cases/deaths may be part of the back log of samples waiting to be tested and therefore not necessarily newly acquired infections. Uganda Since the last update dated 21 May, an additional seven confirmed cases have been reported from Uganda. As of 29 May 2026, a total of nine confirmed cases including one death have been reported in Kampala (n=8) and Wakiso (n=1), Uganda. Recent cases include a Ugandan driver who transported the first reported case, a Congolese health worker with linkage to the index case, a Congolese woman who travelled to Uganda for medical care, and two Ugandan health workers linked to earlier confirmed case. As of 26 May, a total of 436 contacts linked to the cases have been identified and are under follow-up. These include close household contacts and hospital contacts where the cases were hospitalized. Exposure risks are associated with healthcare settings and cross-border movements. Figure 3: Number of confirmed cases (n=9) and deaths (n=1) by date of reporting in Uganda as of 29 May 2026 Source: Ministry of Health, Uganda", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2026-05-29T15:43:01Z", "last_updated": "2026-05-29T15:43:01Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON604", "title": "Hantavirus outbreak linked to cruise ship travel, Multi-locations", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON604", "summary": "On 2 May 2026, WHO received notification from the IHR NFP of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (hereafter referred to as the United Kingdom) regarding a cluster of severe acute respiratory illness, including two deaths and one critically ill passenger, aboard the Netherlands-flagged cruise ship M/V Hondius. As of 27 May, a total of 13 cases (eleven confirmed and two probable cases), including three deaths (two confirmed and one probable), have been reported. Since the last Disease Outbreak News was published on 13 May, three additional confirmed cases have been reported among passengers or crew members, one each from Canada, the Netherlands, and Spain. The case in Canada developed symptoms during contact follow-up, whereas the cases in the Netherlands and Spain were identified through routine weekly testing of high-risk contacts during follow-up. The previously reported inconclusive case from the United States of America was subsequently determined to be negative following further laboratory testing and has been removed from the total count on 15 May. All confirmed cases are among people who travelled onboard the M/V Hondius. Figure 1. Epidemiological curve of Andes hantavirus cases (n = 13) reported to WHO as of 27 May 2026, 17:00. Based on currently available information, the working hypothesis is that the first case acquired the infection prior to boarding the cruise, through exposure on land. Investigations are ongoing to elucidate the potential circumstances of exposure and the source of the outbreak, in collaboration with authorities in Argentina and Chile, however, the time between the individual\u2019s visit to Chile and the onset of symptoms exceeds the maximum incubation period. Therefore, based on the information currently available, exposure in Chile can be ruled out. Current evidence suggests subsequent human-to-human transmission onboard the ship. This is also supported by a preliminary analysis of the sequences, which show a near-identical sequence from different cases.[1] This outbreak is being managed through a coordinated international response. This includes comprehensive epidemiological investigations, case isolation and clinical management, medical evacuations, laboratory testing, and international contact tracing, as well as quarantine and monitoring measures. Recommendations are subject to change as new epidemiological and laboratory evidence becomes available, including findings from genetic sequencing. Follow-up and contact tracing for all contacts of hantavirus cases linked to the cruise ship is ongoing. This includes passengers who disembarked in Saint Helena, United Kingdom, on 24 April; Ascension, United Kingdom, on 27 April; Praia, Cabo Verde, on 6 May; and Tenerife, Spain, on 10 and 11 May, the remaining 25 crew members and the two healthcare workers from the Netherlands who disembarked in the Netherlands on 18 May and 23 May. Passengers who travelled on flights who may have had exposure to subsequently confirmed cases have been identified and contacted. High-risk contacts are being quarantined and monitored by local health authorities either in their respective countries or in the ship\u2019s flag country, the Netherlands, or third countries (Table 1). As of 22 May 2026, more than 600 contacts, including 53% high-risk and 47% low-risk contacts, have been identified across 32 countries, territories and areas, and are either under close monitoring or self-monitoring in line with the updated guidance on management of contacts of Andes virus (ANDV) cases from the MV Hondius cruise ship published on 17 May. Table 1. Contacts being traced for the Andes hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship reported to WHO as of 25 May 2026, 17:00.", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2026-05-28T14:43:00Z", "last_updated": "2026-05-28T14:43:00Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON603", "title": "Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus \u2013 Democratic Republic of the Congo", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON603", "summary": "On 15 May 2026, the Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare of Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) officially declared the 17th Ebola disease outbreak following the laboratory confirmation of Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) in eight samples. Concurrently, on 15 May 2026, the Ministry of Health of Uganda confirmed an outbreak of BVD following the identification of an imported case from DRC. On 17 May 2026, the WHO Director-General, after having consulted the States Parties where the event is known to be currently occurring, determined that the Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in DRC and Uganda constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), as defined in the provisions of International Health Regulation (IHR) Since the last Disease Outbreak News was published on 16 May 2026, the number of suspected and confirmed cases has increased rapidly in DRC, with geographical expansion into North Kivu and South Kivu. In total, 746 suspected cases, including 176 deaths among suspected cases have been reported from DRC as of 21 May 2026; and 85 confirmed cases (two in Uganda), including ten deaths (one in Uganda) (CFR 12%) have been reported from both countries. Figure 1. Distribution of suspected and confirmed cases of Bundibugyo virus disease in Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, as of 21 May 2026 Democratic Republic of the Congo As of 21 May 2026, a total of 83 confirmed cases including nine deaths (CFR 11%); and 746 suspected cases including 176 deaths have been reported from 15 health zones (HZ) in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu Provinces, DRC. Four health worker deaths have been reported to date. Epidemiological and laboratory investigations are ongoing to reclassify all suspected cases and deaths reported in DRC. The most affected HZ are Mongbwalu, Rwampara and Bunia, which all account for 96% of suspected cases and 79% of confirmed cases. As of 21 May, 1603 contacts have been listed in Ituri province and one contact became a suspected case. However, follow-up remains weak due to insecurity and movement restrictions. The follow-up rate as of 21 May is 21%. On 21 May, 84 new alerts were reported, and 77 alerts were investigated, all of which were validated. An American national, who was working in DRC as a surgeon, has also been identified as a confirmed case. Exposure is thought to have occurred during a medical procedure on 11 May. Onset of symptoms was reported on 16 May and laboratory confirmation was received on 20 May. The case is currently at a High-Level isolation unit in Berlin, Germany undergoing treatment. Figure 2 Risk mapping of Health Zones in DRC as of 21 May 2026 Response efforts continue to face a number of challenges, including: absence of standardized isolation and treatment facilities and weak screening and referral pathways; inconsistent implementation of safe and dignified burial measures further underscores the significant risk of healthcare-associated transmission; cross-border transmission risks remain elevated due to insecurity, humanitarian crises, high population mobility, urban/semi-urban transmission hotspots, and porous borders, requiring intensified surveillance and information sharing; deeply challenging situation for affected communities, with growing concerns over access to free and supportive healthcare services, the ability to ensure respectful and dignified burials, and the spread of misinformation and rumour; ongoing conflict in Ituri province restricting the movement of surveillance teams, the deployment of Rapid Response Teams, and the transporting of laboratory samples. It is currently thought that the event originated in the Mongbwalu HZ, DRC, a high-traffic mining area, with cases subsequently migrating to Rwampara and Bunia to seek medical care. Ituri province borders South Sudan and Uganda with Bunia HZ being less than 40km from Uganda. A full epidemiological investigation and trace back exercise is ongoing. Ituri\u2019s role as a commercial and migratory hub and proximity to Uganda and South Sudan increases the risk of regional exportation and cross-border transmission. Uganda As of 20 May 2026, a total of two confirmed cases including one death have been reported in Kampala, Uganda. Both cases were imported from the DRC. The first case was admitted to a private hospital on 11 May and died on 14 May. The transfer of the body to DRC was completed the same day. The second case was confirmed on 16 May in Kampala, in an individual returning from DRC with no apparent links to the first case. The case is currently admitted in Uganda at the Mulago Isolation Treatment Unit. At the time of reporting, no local transmission has been identified in Uganda. As of 18 May, a total of 127 contacts, linked to both confirmed imported cases, have been identified and under follow-up. These include close household contacts and hospital contacts where the cases were hospitalized. Exposure risks are associated with healthcare settings and cross-border movements. Eighteen alerts were reported on 18 May and investigated. Four active cross-border exposure clusters identified in Ntoroko District are under investigation.", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2026-05-22T21:06:24Z", "last_updated": "2026-05-22T21:06:24Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON602", "title": "Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus, Democratic Republic of the Congo & Uganda", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON602", "summary": "On 5 May 2026, WHO received an alert regarding an unknown illness with high mortality reported in Mongbwalu Health Zone, Ituri Province, including four health workers who died within four days. Following an in-depth investigation by the rapid response team in Mongbwalu and Rwampara health zones (HZ) on 13 May, the outbreak was subsequently confirmed as Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) due to Bundibugyo virus (BDBV) (Orthoebolavirus bundibugyoense, species) on 15 May. On 15 May 2026, the Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare officially declared the 17th Ebola Disease outbreak in the DRC, occurring in Rwampara, Mongwalu and Bunia HZ. The first currently known suspected case, a health worker, reported onset of symptoms including fever, hemorrhaging, vomiting and intense malaise on 24 April 2026. The case died at a medical centre in Bunia. As of 15 May, a total of 246 suspected cases and 80 deaths (four deaths among confirmed cases) have been reported from three HZ: Rwampara (six health areas affected), Mongbwalu (three health areas affected), and Bunia . Twenty four suspected cases are currently in isolation facilities across the three HZ. In addition, unusual clusters of community deaths with symptoms compatible with Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) are being investigated across other HZ in Ituri and North Kivu. A further case reported on 16 May, an individual returning from Ituri to Kinshasa, has tested NEGATIVE for Bundibugyo virus on confirmatory testing by the Institut National de la Recherche Biom\u00e9dicale (INRB) of DRC, and is therefore not considered a confirmed case. Most of the suspected cases are between 20 and 39 years old, with females accounting for over 60%, suggesting significant risks associated with household and caregiver transmission. Initial testing of 20 samples collected in Rwampara HZ and analysed at the Provincial Public Health Laboratory in Bunia using standard Ebola Xpert were negative for Ebola virus. Samples were sent to INRB for further analysis, of which eight samples analysed were confirmed as Orthoebolavirus by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on 15 May. Genomic sequencing confirmed the virus species as Bundibugyo virus (BDBV). As of 15 May, 65 contacts have been listed, with 15 identified as high-risk. However, follow-up remains weak due to insecurity and movement restrictions. Several listed contacts became symptomatic and died before they could be isolated. On 15 May 2026, the Ministry of Health of Uganda confirmed an outbreak of BVD following the identification of an imported case from the DRC. The case is an elderly man who was admitted to a private hospital on 11 May with severe symptoms and died on 14 May. The post-mortem transfer of the body to DRC was completed the same day. A clinical sample collected when the case was admitted on 11 May was tested at the Central Emergency Surveillance and Response Support Laboratory, Wandegeya, and was confirmed as Bundibugyo virus on 15 May 2026. A second imported case was confirmed on 16 May in Kampala, in an individual returning from DRC with no apparent links to the first case. At the time of reporting, no local transmission has been identified in Uganda. On 17 May 2026, the Director-General of WHO, after having consulted the States Parties where the event is known to be currently occurring as defined in the provisions of the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR), determined that the Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in DRC and Uganda constitutes a PHEIC. It is currently thought that the event originated in the Mongbwalu HZ, DRC, a high-traffic mining area, with cases subsequently migrating to Rwampara and Bunia to seek medical care. Ituri province borders South Sudan and Uganda (and Bunia HZ is less than 500km from Uganda). A full epidemiological investigation and trace back exercise is ongoing. Ituri\u2019s role as a commercial and migratory hub and proximity to Uganda and South Sudan increases the risk of regional exportation and cross-border transmission. Figure 1. Health Zones affected by Bundibugyo virus disease in Democratic Republic of Congo, as of 16 May 2026", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2026-05-17T09:35:15Z", "last_updated": "2026-05-17T09:35:15Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON601", "title": "Hantavirus cluster linked to cruise ship travel, Multi-country", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON601", "summary": "On 2 May 2026, WHO received notification from the IHR NFP of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (hereafter referred to as the United Kingdom) regarding a cluster of severe acute respiratory illness, including two deaths and one critically ill passenger, aboard the Dutch-flagged cruise ship MV Hondius. As of 13 May, a total of 11 cases (eight confirmed, one inconclusive and two probable cases), including three deaths (two confirmed and one probable), have been reported. Since the last Disease Outbreak News was published on 8 May, two additional confirmed cases and one inconclusive case have been reported among passengers. These are one confirmed case from France, who became symptomatic during repatriation, one confirmed case from Spain, tested upon arrival following repatriation but currently well and asymptomatic, and one case considered inconclusive. The latter was repatriated to the United States of America, is currently asymptomatic with inconclusive laboratory results (one positive and one negative result from two different laboratories), and is being retested. The individual was sampled due to high-risk exposure to confirmed cases on board. All laboratory-confirmed cases are confirmed for ANDV infection. All were passengers onboard the MV Hondius. Figure 1. Epidemiological curve of Andes hantavirus cases (n = 11) reported to WHO as of 13 May 2026, 17:00. Based on currently available information, the working hypothesis is that the first case acquired the infection prior to boarding the cruise, through exposure on land. Investigations are ongoing to elucidate the potential circumstances of exposure and the source of the outbreak, in collaboration with authorities in Argentina and Chile. Current evidence suggests subsequent human-to-human transmission onboard the ship. This is also supported by a preliminary analysis of the sequences, which show a close, near-identical sequenced from different cases.[1] The outbreak is being managed through a coordinated international response, including in-depth epidemiological investigations, case isolation and clinical management, medical evacuations, laboratory testing and international contact tracing, quarantining and monitoring. Recommendations may be updated as additional epidemiological and laboratory evidence, including genetic sequencing data, becomes available. Follow-up and contact tracing for all contacts of hantavirus cases linked to the cruise ship is ongoing. This includes passengers who disembarked in Saint Helena, United Kingdom, on 24 April; Praia, Cabo Verde, on 6 May; and Tenerife, Spain, on 10 and 11 May. Passengers who travelled on flights who may have had exposure to subsequently confirmed cases have been identified and contacted. Contacts are being monitored by local health authorities in their respective countries. On 10 May, the ship arrived in the Canary Islands, Spain, where disembarkation began. Passengers and most of the crew were repatriated from the Canary Islands to their respective residence countries or transit points via specially arranged non-commercial flights, with WHO and partners supporting the disembarkation process. The ship left the Canary Islands on 11 May and is sailing to the Netherlands, with 25 crew members remaining on board, along with two Dutch health and care workers to conduct their health monitoring and provide any healthcare that may be necessary.", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2026-05-13T19:30:36Z", "last_updated": "2026-05-13T19:30:36Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON600", "title": "Hantavirus cluster linked to cruise ship travel, Multi-country", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON600", "summary": "On 2 May 2026, WHO received notification from the National IHR Focal Point of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (hereafter referred to as the United Kingdom) regarding a cluster of severe acute respiratory illness, including two deaths and one critically ill passenger, aboard a Dutch-flagged cruise ship. Since the last Disease Outbreak News was published on 4 May, three of the suspected cases were confirmed, and one additional confirmed case was reported. As of 8 May, a total of eight cases (six confirmed and two probable cases), including three deaths (two confirmed and one probable), case fatality ratio 38%, have been reported. All six laboratory-confirmed cases were identified as Andes virus through virus specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or sequencing. Two medical evacuation flights, from Cabo Verde, carrying two symptomatic confirmed patients and one previously suspected case landed in the Netherlands on 6 and 7 May. As of 8 May, four patients are currently hospitalised, one in intensive care in Johannesburg, South Africa, two in different hospitals in the Netherlands and the other in Zurich, Switzerland. The previously suspected case was transferred directly to Germany, where she was tested, and both PCR and serology tests were negative for Andes virus, she is therefore no longer considered to be a case. Contact tracing of passengers who disembarked in St Helena is ongoing; passengers have been contacted and advised to self-monitor for symptoms. Additionally, passengers who travelled on the same flight from St Helena to South Africa with one of the cases who was subsequently confirmed, have been contacted. On 6 May, the ship left Cabo Verde, heading to the Canary Islands, Spain where disembarkation is planned. Further investigations into the potential exposure of the first case and the source of the outbreak are ongoing in collaboration with authorities in Argentina and Chile. The outbreak is being managed through a coordinated international response, including in-depth epidemiological investigations, case isolation and clinical management, medical evacuations, laboratory testing and international contact tracing and monitoring. Summary of confirmed and probable cases: Case 1: An adult male who boarded the ship on 1 April, after more than three months of travel in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. Developed symptoms on 6 April and died onboard on 11 April. No microbiological tests were performed. He is considered a probable case. Case 2: An adult female, who was a close contact of case 1, who travelled and boarded the ship with him, went ashore at Saint Helena on 24 April with gastrointestinal symptoms. She subsequently deteriorated on a flight to Johannesburg, South Africa, on 25 April. She died on 26 April in a Johannesburg clinic. On 4 May, she was subsequently confirmed by PCR testing with hantavirus infection. Case 3: An adult male who developed symptoms on 24 April. He was disembarked and medically evacuated from Ascension Island on 27 April and is currently hospitalised in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in Johannesburg, South Africa. PCR testing confirmed hantavirus infection on 2 May, and Andes virus was confirmed through sequencing. Case 4: An adult female, with onset of symptoms (fever and general malaise) on 28 April, later presenting with pneumonia, died on 2 May. A post-mortem sample was collected and sent to the Netherlands with the evacuated patients, where it was confirmed to be Andes virus. Case 5: An adult male, working as the ship doctor, reported onset of symptoms on 30 April, including fever, fatigue, muscle pain, and mild respiratory symptoms. His samples confirmed PCR positivity for Andes virus on 6 May. The case was medically evacuated to the Netherlands on 6 May and is currently stable in isolation. Case 6: An adult male, working as a ship guide. Onset of symptoms was reported on 27 April with mild respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. Laboratory samples confirmed PCR positivity for Andes virus on 6 May. The case was medically evacuated to the Netherlands on 7 May and is currently stable in isolation. Case 7: An adult male, who disembarked in St Helena on 22 April and flew back to Switzerland on 27-28 April, through South Africa and Qatar. He started experiencing symptoms on 1 May after arrival in Switzerland, where he immediately self-isolated and reported to local public health authorities. He is currently hospitalised and in isolation in Switzerland. His samples confirmed PCR positivity for Andes virus on 5 May.[1] Case 8: An adult male, who disembarked in Tristan da Cunha on 14 April. Onset of symptoms was reported on 28 April with diarrhoea and two days later with fever. He is currently stable and in isolation. He is currently a probable case until laboratory confirmation. One case previously reported as suspected has now been reclassified as a non-case after testing negative for Andes virus through PCR and serology. Nevetheless, monitoring continues until the end of their incubation period from last exposure. Table 1. Distribution of reported Andes hantavirus cases by case status and outcome, as of 8 May 2026 Operational outbreak case definitions Suspected case: anyone who shared or visited a conveyance where there has been a confirmed or probable ANDV case AND with acute (or history of) symptoms compatible with ANDV infection, including fever (38\u00b0C or above), myalgia, chills, acute gastrointestinal (e.g. nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain) or acute respiratory (e.g. cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, difficulty breathing) symptoms. Probable case: a person with signs and symptoms of a suspected case that has been evaluated by a health professional AND a known epidemiological link with a confirmed or probable ANDV case AND for which laboratory tests have not been conducted. Confirmed case: a person with laboratory confirmation of ANDV through RT-PCR or serology testing. Non-case*: a suspected or probable case who tests negative for ANDV by RT-PCR or serology. *Non-cases who develop symptoms compatible with the suspected case definition after a negative test and within the maximum incubation period after last exposure to a probable or confirmed case should be retested and reclassified as appropriate. Figure 1. Epidemiological curve of Andes hantavirus cases reported to WHO as of 8 May 2026, 17:00. Based on currently available information, the working hypothesis is that case 1 most probably acquired the infection prior to boarding through environmental exposure during activities he conducted in Argentina. Investigations are ongoing to assess the full itinerary of his activities and possible exposure factors. Current evidence points to subsequent human-to-human transmission onboard (Figure 1), given documented epidemiological links of some of the subsequent cases with case 1 during his illness, and the timing of their symptom onset, which clusters around the most likely incubation periods previously documented for ANDV. However, ongoing epidemiological and sequencing investigations will help better understand the epidemiological links between cases and their most likely exposure.", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2026-05-08T21:31:10Z", "last_updated": "2026-05-08T21:31:10Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON599", "title": "Hantavirus cluster linked to cruise ship travel, Multi-country", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON599", "summary": "On 2 May 2026, WHO received notification from the National International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) Focal Point of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (hereafter referred to as the United Kingdom) regarding a cluster of severe acute respiratory illness, including two deaths and one critically ill passenger, aboard a Dutch-flagged cruise ship. On 2 May 2026, laboratory testing conducted in South Africa confirmed hantavirus infection in one patient who is critically ill and in intensive care. On 3 May, one additional death was reported. A further three suspected cases remain on board. As of 4 May, a total of seven (two confirmed and five suspected) cases, including three deaths, have been reported. The vessel departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on 1 April 2026 and followed an itinerary across the South Atlantic, with multiple stops in remote and ecologically diverse regions, including mainland Antarctica, South Georgia, Nightingale Island, Tristan da Cunha, Saint Helena, and Ascension Island. The extent of passenger contact with local wildlife during the voyage, or prior to boarding in Ushuaia remains undetermined. The vessel carries a total of 147 individuals, including 88 passengers and 59 crew members. Onboard passengers and crew represent 23 nationalities. As of 4 May 2026, the vessel is moored off the coast of Cabo Verde. Summary of cases: Case 1: An adult male developed symptoms of fever, headache, and mild diarrhoea on 6 April 2026 while on board the ship. By 11 April, the case developed respiratory distress and died on board on the same day. No microbiological tests were performed. The body of the passenger was removed from the vessel to Saint Helena (a British Overseas Territory) on 24 April. Case 2: An adult female, who was a close contact of case 1, went ashore at Saint Helena on 24 April 2026 with gastrointestinal symptoms. She subsequently deteriorated during a flight to Johannesburg, South Africa, on 25 April. She later died upon arrival at the emergency department on 26 April. On 4 May, the case was subsequently confirmed by PCR with hantavirus infection. Contact tracing for passengers on the flight has been initiated. Cases 1 and 2, had travelled in South America, including Argentina, before they boarded the cruise ship on 1 April 2026. Case 3: An adult male presented to the ship's doctor on 24 April 2026 with febrile illness, shortness of breath and signs of pneumonia. On 26 April, his condition worsened. He was medically evacuated from Ascension to South Africa on 27 April, where he is currently hospitalised in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Laboratory testing on an extensive respiratory pathogen panel was negative; however, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing confirmed hantavirus infection on 2 May 2026. Serology, sequencing and metagenomics are ongoing. Case 4: An adult female, with presentation of pneumonia, died on 2 May 2026. The onset of symptoms was on 28 April, with fever and a general feeling of being unwell. Three suspected cases have reported high fever and/or gastrointestinal symptoms and remain on board. Medical teams in Cabo Verde are evaluating the patients and collecting additional specimens for testing.", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2026-05-04T21:48:22Z", "last_updated": "2026-05-04T21:48:22Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON598", "title": "Measles - Bangladesh", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON598", "summary": "On 4 April 2026, the National IHR Focal Point of Bangladesh notified WHO of a significant increase in measles cases, driven by sustained domestic transmission. Since January 2026, Bangladesh has experienced a marked increase in measles cases. Geographically, cases have been reported across all eight divisions, in 58 out of 64 districts (91% of districts), indicating widespread transmission nationally. Since 15 March 2026 and as of 14 April, a total of 19 161 suspected measles cases and 2973 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been reported. Moreover, 166 suspected measles-related deaths (CFR 0.9%) and 30 confirmed measles-related deaths (CFR= 1.1%) have been recorded. A total of 12 318 hospital admissions and 9772 hospital discharges have also been reported. The highest cumulative burden of suspected measles cases since 15 March 2026 has been reported in Dhaka (8263 cases), Rajshahi (3747 cases), Chattogram (2514 cases), and Khulna (1568 cases). In Dhaka, cases are concentrated in densely populated informal settlements, including Demra, Jatrabari, Kamrangirchar, Korail, Mirpur, and Tejgaon industrial and slum clusters. (HEOC, DGHS, 15 April 2026). Children aged under 5 years account for the majority of reported cases (79%), including children aged under 2 years (66%) and infants aged under 9 months (33%). A total of 166 suspected deaths have been reported (CFR 1%), mainly among unvaccinated children aged under 2 years.", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2026-04-23T13:14:13Z", "last_updated": "2026-04-23T13:14:13Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON597", "title": "Avian Influenza A(H9N2) - Italy", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON597", "summary": "On 21 March 2026, the National IHR Focal Point for Italy notified WHO of the identification of a human case of avian influenza A(H9) in an adult male. The patient had been in Senegal for more than six months and traveled to Italy in mid-March. Upon arrival, he visited the emergency department with a fever and a persistent cough. On 16 March, a bronchoalveolar lavage specimen was collected, which showed a positive Mycobacterium tuberculosis result, as well as detection of un-subtypeable influenza A virus. The patient was placed in a negative-pressure isolation room with airborne precautions. He was treated with antitubercular medication and antiviral oseltamivir. By 9 April, his condition was stable and improving. On 20 March, a regional reference laboratory identified the A(H9) subtype, and on 21 March, next-generation sequencing confirmed influenza A(H9N2). Initial genetic findings suggest the infection was likely acquired from an avian source linked to Senegal. Additional samples have been sent to Italy\u2019s National Influenza Center, where further characterization confirmed virus subtype Influenza A(H9N2), with close genetic similarity to strains previously identified in poultry in Senegal. No direct exposure to animals, wildlife or rural environments was identified. There was also no reported contact with symptomatic or confirmed human cases. Further epidemiological investigations on the source of exposure are ongoing. Contacts identified in Senegal were asymptomatic. All identified and traced contacts in Italy have tested negative for influenza and completed the period of active monitoring for the onset of symptoms and the quarantine required by national guidelines. They also received oseltamivir as a preventive measure.", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2026-04-10T14:03:01Z", "last_updated": "2026-04-10T14:03:01Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON596", "title": "International food safety event: Infant formula and products containing arachidonic acid oil contaminated with cereulide toxin - Multi-country", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON596", "summary": "Since 10 December 2025, and as of 25 February 2026, 99 countries and territories have been identified as having received batches of infant formula products subject to recall due to contamination with cereulide toxin. During this period, 144 suspected and confirmed cases were reported across 10 countries. The epidemiological investigations and product\u2011traceback activities remain ongoing in many countries. The case definitions in use by the International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN) are currently: Suspect case: A person presenting symptoms of cereulide intoxication with a history of consumption of the recalled product, without laboratory confirmation in a clinical sample. Confirmed case: A person presenting symptoms of cereulide intoxication with a history of consumption of recalled product, with laboratory confirmation in a clinical sample. Health authorities are actively searching for cases and conducting laboratory testing of human specimens and infant formula products. However, case definitions used may differ from those established by INFOSAN, such as those established by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, creating challenges with comparability of reported case numbers. Since this is not a routinely tested contaminant or condition, diagnostic challenges and limited surveillance capacity are hindering Member States\u2019 ability to identify confirmed cases. One country has laboratory confirmed cases linked to the contaminated products (Belgium). The limited case numbers appearing in multiple, geographically separated areas is consistent with sporadic exposures to contaminated products that were widely distributed. \u200bPrecautionary recalls have been issued across all countries and territories where products were distributed. These measures aim to prevent further exposures, although the speed and completeness of product recall and withdrawal vary by location according to various factors including inspection and enforcement capacities.", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2026-03-13T16:05:10Z", "last_updated": "2026-03-13T16:05:10Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON595", "title": "Mpox: recombinant virus with genomic elements of clades Ib and IIb \u2013 Global situation", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON595", "summary": "In December 2025, the United Kingdom detected the first reported case of a clade Ib/IIb MPXV recombinant strain.\u200b5\u200b After classification of this case and posting in a public database as a novel MPXV recombinant strain, a case of mpox detected in India in September 2025 was retrospectively reclassified as a closely-related recombinant strain based on sequencing data. To date, these are the only known cases of this recombinant virus. Case detected in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland The case was identified following testing of a vesicular swab from a traveler who had returned from a country in the Asia Pacific region in October 2025. During laboratory confirmation, the virus was initially typed as clade Ib MPXV by qPCR. Subsequent whole genome sequencing revealed that the MPXV strain identified was distinct from other known clade Ib MPXV strains with phylogenetic analysis indicating that the genome had regions similar to both clade Ib and clade IIb MPXV reference sequences, suggesting that it is an inter-clade recombinant. To confirm this unusual finding, sequencing was repeated on the original extract from the primary sample, a fresh extract from the same primary sample, a second swab collected from the patient at the same time, and a cultured isolate derived from the initial swab. This repeat sequencing yielded identical viral genome sequences from the two clinical swabs and the cultured isolate, supporting the initial findings of a new recombinant strain, and showing that it can replicate and presents potential for onward transmission. This strain is a recombinant MPXV, containing genetic elements from both clade Ib and clade IIb MPXV. A small number of contacts were identified and followed up in the United Kingdom; none developed any clinical features of mpox. Health worker contacts had worn full personal protective equipment (PPE) during provision of medical care to the patient. The authorities of the United Kingdom continue to investigate the significance of this recombinant MPXV strain through phenotypic characterization studies. Case detected in India On 13 January 2026, the National IHR Focal Point (NFP) of India notified WHO of a mpox case with an inter\u2011clade recombinant MPXV which was, upon whole-genome sequencing, found to have genomic elements of clades Ib and IIb MPXV. The recombinant virus was found in samples from a man with mpox who had presented for care in September 2025. The patient had reported recent travel from a country in the Arabian Peninsula, where he resides as an overseas worker. He developed symptoms on 1 September 2025, while still abroad. After his return to India, real\u2011time PCR confirmed MPXV infection on 11 September 2025. Clade differentiation PCR performed on 15 September 2025 initially identified this virus as clade II MPXV. Initial genomic sequencing analysis suggested features consistent with clade IIb MPXV. However, following the update of the global Nextclade database on 16 December 2025, which included the recombinant clade Ib/IIb MPXV strain reported by the United Kingdom, the virus from the patient in India was reclassified as belonging to the recombinant strain. Recombination analysis demonstrated mosaic patterns containing genomic regions derived from both parent clades. Following the initial diagnosis, the patient was hospitalized, did not experience any medical complications, and fully recovered, testing negative for MPXV on 29 September 2025. The case reported no close contacts in India, and no known secondary cases were identified following this introduction of the recombinant clade Ib/IIb MPXV in India. Full or near\u2011full genome retrieval (>99%) from both the sample and a sample-derived virus isolate enabled phylogenetic analysis showing >99.9% similarity to the recombinant strain detected in the United Kingdom. A total of 34 recombinant tracts were observed in the sequence reported by India, while 28 recombinant tracts were observed in the sequence reported by the United Kingdom; 16 recombinant tracts were common to both strains. This case in India therefore represents the earliest known detection of this recombinant strain globally, having preceded the event reported in the United Kingdom. Consistent with the case reported in the United Kingdom, clinical presentation was consistent with cases due to clade I or clade II MPXV (non-recombinant MPXV) infection.", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2026-02-14T14:07:30Z", "last_updated": "2026-02-14T14:07:30Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON594", "title": "Nipah virus infection - Bangladesh", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON594", "summary": "On 3 February 2026, the Bangladesh IHR NFP notified WHO of one confirmed case of NiV infection that occurred in Rajshahi Division, northwestern Bangladesh. The case was confirmed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) testing on 29 January 2026. The patient is female, aged between 40-50 years, residing in Naogaon District, Rajshahi Division. She developed symptoms consistent with NiV infection on 21 January, including fever, headache, muscle cramps, loss of appetite (anorexia), weakness, and vomiting, followed by hypersalivation, disorientation, and convulsion. On 27 January, she became unconscious and was referred by a local physician to a tertiary hospital. She was admitted on 28 January, and the Nipah surveillance team collected throat swabs and blood samples. The patient died the same day. The patient reported repeated consumption of raw date palm sap between 5 and 20 January 2026. Following the confirmed diagnosis, an outbreak investigation team, including One Health stakeholders, started investigations on 30 January. A total of 35 contact persons has been identified, including three household contact persons 14 community contact persons and 18 hospital contact persons. Samples were collected from six symptomatic contact persons, including three from household, two from communities and one from hospital. All six samples tested negative for NiV infection by PCR and anti-Nipah IgM antibody detection by ELISA. As of 3 February, no additional cases have been identified. Contact persons are under monitoring. Bangladesh reported its first case of NiV infection in 2001. Since then, human infections have been reported almost every year. In 2025, four laboratory-confirmed fatal cases were reported from Bangladesh.", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2026-02-06T21:43:10Z", "last_updated": "2026-02-06T21:43:10Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON593", "title": "Nipah virus disease - India", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON593", "summary": "On 26 January 2026, the India IHR NFP notified WHO of two confirmed NiV infection cases that occurred in West Bengal State. Preliminary laboratory testing suggested NiV infection, and confirmation was received from the National Institute of Virology, Pune on 13 January 2026. The cases were confirmed through Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) testing. The first case is a female nurse and the second case is a male nurse. Both cases were between 20 \u2013 30 years old, from Barasat, North 24 Parganas district. Both cases developed symptoms typical of severe NiV infection in late December 2025 and were admitted to hospital in early January 2026. As of 21 January 2026, the second case showed clinical improvement, while the first case remained under critical care. Following the two confirmed cases, Indian health authorities identified and tested over 190 contact persons, including health and care workers and community contacts. All samples from contact persons tested negative for NiV. The Indian National Centre for Disease Control, announced on 27 January that no further confirmed cases have been detected in West Bengal from December 2025 to date.", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2026-01-30T16:32:57Z", "last_updated": "2026-01-30T16:32:57Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON592", "title": "Marburg virus disease- Ethiopia", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON592", "summary": "On 14 November 2025, after the laboratory confirmation of suspected viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) cases in Jinka town, South Ethiopia Regional State, Ethiopia, the Ministry of Health of Ethiopia declared an outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD). Molecular testing conducted by the National Reference Laboratory at the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) identified Marburg virus (MARV) in patient samples. This was the first time Ethiopia was reporting a MVD outbreak. The first known case was an adult from Jinka town who developed symptoms on 23 October. The patient presented to the General Hospital the following day with vomiting, loss of appetite, and abdominal cramps. As of 25 January 2026, a cumulative total of 14 confirmed cases, including nine deaths (Case Fatality Rate (CFR) 64.3%) and five probable cases, all of whom had died, were reported by the Ministry of Health from Jinka, Malle and Dasench woredas in South Ethiopia Region and Hawassa in Sidama Region. As of 25 January 2026, a total of 857 contacts were listed who completed 21 days of follow-up, 760 from the South Ethiopia Region and 97 from the Sidama Region. As of 5 January 2026, 3800 samples were tested for the virus. On 26 January 2026, after two consecutive incubation periods (a total of 42 days), without a new confirmed case reported, after the last confirmed case died and was given a safe and dignified burial, on 14 December 2025, the Ministry of Health of Ethiopia declared the end of the MVD outbreak, as per WHO recommendations. Figure 1: Map of districts reporting confirmed and probable Marburg virus disease cases in Ethiopia, as of 25 January 2026", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2026-01-26T17:02:50Z", "last_updated": "2026-01-26T17:02:50Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON591", "title": "Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus - Global update", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON591", "summary": "Since the first report of MERS-CoV in the KSA and Jordan in 2012, a total 2635 laboratory-confirmed cases of MERS-CoV infection, with 964 associated deaths (Case Fatality Ratio (CFR) of 37%), have been reported to WHO from 27 countries, across all six WHO regions (Figure 1). The majority of cases (84%; n=2224), have been reported from the KSA (Figure 2). Since the beginning of 2025 and as of 21 December, a total of 19 cases have been reported to WHO. Overall, 17 cases were reported in the KSA from five regions named: Riyadh (n=10), Taif (n=3), Najran (n=2), Hail (n=1), and Hafr Al-Batin City (n=1) (Figure 3). In addition, two travel associated cases of MERS-CoV infection have been reported in France, with likely exposure occurring during recent travel in the Arabian Peninsula (Figure 3). This disease outbreak news report focuses on the recent nine cases of MERS-CoV infection reported between 4 June - 21 December 2025: seven cases from the KSA and the two imported cases to France. The details of cases reported earlier in 2025 can be referred to in the previously published disease outbreak news on 13 March 2025 and 12 May 2025. Between 4 June and 21 December 2025, the MoH of the KSA reported a total of seven cases of MERS CoV infection. The cases were reported from three regions: Najran (2), Riyadh (3), and Taif (2). No epidemiological links were identified between the seven cases. In addition, between 2 and 3 of December 2025, the IHR NFP for France reported two cases of MERS \u2013 CoV with recent travel to the Arabian Peninsula during the month of November. Follow-up has been completed for all contacts and no secondary infections have been identified or reported. From September 2012, France has recorded a total of four laboratory-confirmed cases of MERS-CoV infection, including one death: two cases were reported in 2013, and the latest two cases in December 2025. All cases had been travelers exposed in the Arabian Peninsula and returning back to France. For additional details please see Table 1. Figure 1: Epidemic curve of MERS-CoV infections (2635) and deaths (964) reported globally between 2012-2025 Figure 2: Epidemic curve of MERS-CoV infections (2224) and deaths (868) reported in KSA between 2012-2025 Figure 3. Geographical distribution of MERS-CoV infections between 1 January and 21 December 2025 (n=19). Table 1: MERS-CoV cases reported by KSA and France between 4 June and 21 December 2025", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2025-12-24T09:19:23Z", "last_updated": "2025-12-24T09:19:23Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON586", "title": "Seasonal influenza - Global situation", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON586", "summary": "Globally, influenza activity has increased since October 2025 with influenza A viruses predominant among the viruses detected globally. In many northern hemisphere countries, acute respiratory infection levels increase at this time of year. These increases are typically caused by seasonal epidemics of respiratory pathogens such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other common respiratory viruses. The exact timing of the onset, the duration, magnitude and the severity of each epidemic might vary by location, influenced by multiple factors such as type of circulating viruses (including influenza and other respiratory pathogens), relative population immunity and environmental conditions. In the northern hemisphere, some countries have reported early starts to the influenza season. In other countries, influenza activity is starting to increase, but has not yet reached the epidemic threshold. In the southern hemisphere, some countries have had unusually long seasons compared to previous years, with virus activity remaining higher than usual in recent months. Global influenza surveillance and monitoring is conducted through the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS), a WHO-coordinated network of over 160 institutions in 131 Member States. GISRS is tasked with conducting year-round surveillance and monitoring of influenza viruses and serving as the global alert mechanism for the emergence of novel influenza viruses and other respiratory pathogens with pandemic potential. In the northern hemisphere temperate and sub-tropical countries, areas and territories, influenza activity was generally low from June to August 2025. Activity gradually increased in September and continued to increase through November 2025. Influenza A viruses, especially A(H3N2) viruses, predominated during this period (Fig. 1). In the southern hemisphere temperate and sub-tropical countries, areas and territories, influenza activity generally decreased from June 2025 and remained low through August. However, a slight increase has been observed since September. Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses predominated in June and July; however, A(H3N2) viruses have predominated since September (Fig. 2). In tropical areas, there has been sustained influenza activity from June through November. Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses predominated through July. Since then, the proportion of influenza A(H3N2) viruses among reported detections has increased and has become predominant since the end of September (Fig. 3). Figure 1. Virus detections by subtype reported to FluNet, from 1 June to 30 November 2025 for the northern hemisphere temperate and sub-tropical countries, areas and territories. Source: GISRS: https://worldhealthorg.shinyapps.io/flunetchart/ Figure 2. Virus detections by subtype reported to FluNet, from 1 June to 30 November 2025, for the southern hemisphere temperate and sub-tropical countries, areas and territories. Source: GISRS: https://worldhealthorg.shinyapps.io/flunetchart/ Figure 3. Virus detections by subtype reported to FluNet, from 1 June to 30 November 2025, for tropical countries, areas and territories. Source: GISRS: https://worldhealthorg.shinyapps.io/flunetchart/ Genetic characteristics of recent seasonal influenza viruses Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and influenza B/Victoria lineage viruses continue to circulate in all regions albeit at low levels. Influenza A(H3N2) viruses Based on genetic sequence data available in GISAID, a mixture of A(H3N2) haemagglutinin (HA) clades and subclades are currently circulating globally; however, there has been a recent and rapid rise in a particular subclade of A(H3N2), J.2.4.1 (alias subclade K Nextclade/Nextstrain nomenclature). A(H3N2) subclade K viruses have genetically drifted from related J.2.4 viruses and have several amino acid changes in their HA in comparison. Detections of subclade K viruses are increasing in many parts of the world, with the exception, to date, of South America. Subclade K viruses were particularly evident from August 2025 in Australia and New Zealand and have now been detected in more than 34 countries over the last 6 months. Figure 4. Influenza A(H3N2) percent positivity reported for epidemiological week 48 (24 to 30 November) 2025 Source: GISRS: https://www.who.int/teams/global-influenza-programme/surveillance-and-monitoring/influenza-surveillance-outputs Overview of seasonal influenza by WHO Region African region Influenza detections in the WHO African Region overall increased in October with influenza A(H3N2) predominant. The timing and predominant virus varied by zone. In the western part of the region, influenza detections increased in September and October with A(H3N2) predominant since October. All seasonal subtypes have been detected continuously in the middle and eastern parts of the region. Influenza activity peaked in May 2025 in South Africa with almost exclusively A(H3N2) detections; in recent weeks influenza activity has increased slightly but remained low. Eastern Mediterranean Region While influenza activity in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region overall increased in October with A(H3N2) viruses predominant, there were variations by zone. In countries in the northern part of the region, influenza detections increased in October with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 predominant and lesser proportions of influenza A(H3N2) and B virus detections reported. In the Arabian Peninsula, influenza detections also increased in October but with influenza A(H3N2) viruses predominant. European Region As of 21 November 2025, reported rates of influenza-like illness (ILI) and/or acute respiratory infection (ARI) in primary care were at baseline levels for most countries and areas of the WHO European Region. However, detections were increasing and regionally pooled test percent positivity in primary care sentinel surveillance rose above 10% in weeks 45 and 46 (ending on 15 November), marking the start of the 2025/26 influenza season for the European Region. This was approximately four weeks earlier than the median, but not out of the ordinary, with epidemiological trends similar to those observed in the 2022/23 influenza season. Influenza activity was variable between countries, with those in the west of the Region generally seeing earlier increases of influenza indicators compared to others. Influenza admissions, detections, and percent positivity in hospital surveillance were also increasing from inter-seasonal levels, with a higher proportion aged 65 years or older. A majority of influenza detections from sentinel and non-sentinel primary care and hospital surveillance systems were A(H3N2) viruses. Region of the Americas During the 2025 southern hemisphere season in the Americas, influenza transmission exceeded the seasonal threshold in mid-March, remaining mostly at low to moderate levels. Circulation was driven by influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, reaching a peak positivity of 19%. Activity then declined to low levels until the end of August, when an increase in circulation was observed, associated with influenza A(H3N2) in Brazil and Chile. As of beginning of November, Chile remains at moderate levels of influenza A(H3N2) transmission, without evidence of increased severity or rises in outpatient consultations. As of 4 November 2025, subclade K had not been detected in South America. In the northern hemisphere countries of the Americas, during week 45 of 2025, seasonal influenza circulation remained low, with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 predominating in the Caribbean and Central America. In North America, influenza activity\u2014although still low\u2014was increasing, mainly driven by influenza A virus detections. While most detections in Mexico were influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, a predominance of influenza A(H3N2) has been observed in the United States and Canada, with growing detections of the A(H3N2) subclade K. South-East Asia Region Influenza detections in the South-East Asia Region started increasing from June, peaked in August and since then have generally remained low with some exceptions. During the 2025 till November, the proportion of Influenza A among all influenza viruses tested positive was 66% Influenza A(H3N2) was the predominant sub-type (43%) in transmission followed by A(H1N1)pdm09 (~20%). In Thailand, influenza detections of predominantly A(H3N2) increased in October and November. Influenza A(H3N2) detections also increased since July in Bangladesh and October in Sri Lanka. While the region has seen an increase in Influenza A(H3N2), 22 sequences of subclade K have been reported in GISAID from Nepal (1), India (4) and Thailand (17) as of 30 November. Western Pacific Region Since the beginning of October 2025, influenza seasonal activity has increased in the Western Pacific Region. In some countries, including Japan and the Republic of Korea, the onset of the typical seasonal influenza activity period started earlier than in previous years. As of 9 November 2025, influenza positivity ranged from 8% to 56% in the northern hemisphere countries. In southern hemisphere countries, influenza activity shows mixed trends; positivity has declined in Australia, remains high in New Zealand and is rapidly increasing in Fiji. The elevated influenza activity in New Zealand and Fiji is unusual for this time of the year. The predominant circulating influenza subtype is influenza A(H3N2), marking a shift from A(H1N1)pdm09, which predominated during the 2024-2025 northern hemisphere winter season. The increases in influenza have predominantly been driven by the expansion of A(H3N2) subclade K, which represents 89% of sequences submitted to GISAID from the Western Pacific Region (as of 21 November 2025).", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2025-12-10T19:54:36Z", "last_updated": "2025-12-10T19:54:36Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON587", "title": "Broader transmission of mpox due to clade Ib MPXV \u2013 Global situation", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON587", "summary": "Since the lifting of the second PHEIC for mpox on 5 September 2025, and as of 24 November 2025, 43 new confirmed cases of clade Ib MPXV have been reported across six WHO regions outside areas where sustained community transmission of this virus strain has been occurring. In four of these regions (Region of the Americas, South-East Asia Region, European Region and the Western Pacific Region), 24 cases had reported no recent international travel, suggesting local transmission. Based on this, Italy, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and the United States of America are now considered to be experiencing community transmission of clade Ib MPXV. In addition, travel-related cases continue to be reported in many countries. Among the 43 cases, half (22) were documented among men who have sex with men, while other cases were linked to travel to countries with known community transmission of clade Ib, or secondary to travel-related cases (household contacts and/or sexual partners). This report provides an overview of these recent cases of mpox confirmed to be due to clade Ib MPXV, by WHO region and country, summarizing key available epidemiological information, followed by WHO\u2019s rapid risk assessment and public health advice. Summary of reported mpox due to clade Ib MPXV in WHO Regions and countries from 5 September to 24 November 2025WHO African RegionSince the lifting of the PHEIC on 5 September 2025 and as of 24 November 2025, one country, Namibia, has reported clade Ib MPXV cases for the first time. Community transmission persists in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Africa, the United Republic of Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. NamibiaNamibia notified WHO of one probable and two confirmed cases of mpox due to clade Ib MPXV. The index (probable) case linked to travel within the African Region and the two confirmed cases were his household contacts. No further cases have been reported following detection of this cluster. These are the first cases of mpox reported in the country. WHO Region of the AmericasTwo countries in the WHO Americas Region have reported a total of four confirmed cases of mpox due to clade Ib MPXV. One case detected in Canada had recently travelled, while three cases in the United States of America had no recent travel history or known epidemiological links to travellers. CanadaCanada notified WHO of one confirmed mpox case due to clade Ib MPXV in an adult male with recent travel outside of the country and reporting no sexual partners after returning to Canada. The case received counselling on preventing further transmission. United States of AmericaThe United States of America reported three unrelated cases of mpox due to clade Ib MPXV in Long Beach (one case) and Los Angeles (two cases) counties, California. All three occurred among men who have sex with men, none of whom had a history of recent international travel or known exposure to mpox cases. None of the individuals had a previous MPXV infection or prior orthopoxvirus vaccination, and one case was immunocompromised. All three individuals were hospitalized, received standard medical care, and have fully recovered. Prior to the lifting of the PHEIC, the United States of America had reported six cases of mpox due to clade Ib MPXV, all linked to travel. Public health authorities conducted contact tracing among household, healthcare-facility and social contacts. No additional cases of mpox due to clade Ib MPXV have been detected to date. Public health investigations suggest ongoing community transmission of clade Ib MPXV among men who have sex with men and their social networks in southern California. Viral genomic sequencing data indicate that the three California cases may be linked to a previously reported case in the country in August 2025. WHO South-East Asia RegionFrom 5 September to 24 November 2025, five cases of mpox due to clade Ib MPXV have been reported in the WHO South-East Asia Region, all in Thailand. All cases had a recent history of international travel and three self-identified as men who have sex with men. ThailandThailand notified WHO of five new cases of mpox cases due to clade Ib MPXV. The cases included four males, three of whom self-identified as men who have sex with men, and one female. Travel histories indicate associations with recent travel to the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and the Russian Federation, where exposure to infection is likely to have occurred. Prior to 5 September, Thailand had reported five cases of mpox due to clade Ib MPXV, all of which were associated with international travel. WHO Eastern Mediterranean RegionThree countries in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region, Egypt, Lebanon and Qatar have reported six cases of mpox. Although the clade was not documented in Egypt and Lebanon, two cases attributed to clade Ib MPXV were reported in Qatar. QatarQatar notified WHO of two cases of mpox due to clade Ib MPXV. One adult male and one adult female, linked to travel within the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Prior to this period, Qatar had reported three cases of mpox due to clade Ib MPXV, all of which were associated with international travel. WHO European RegionCountries in the WHO European Region have reported a total of 27 mpox cases due to clade Ib MPXV. Of these, 18 cases were classified as autochthonous, with no relevant history of recent international travel, suggesting undetected community transmission (Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain). Two cases (reported from Belgium and the United Kingdom) were related to travel within Europe and five cases to travel outside of Europe (East Africa, Uganda, United Arab Emirates), either to or from countries experiencing community transmission of clade Ib MPXV but also to or from countries where no community transmission has been reported, including Angola, the United Arab Emirates, and Viet Nam. Furthermore, at least 15 of the 27 cases, and 14 of the 18 locally acquired cases occurred among individuals who self-identified as men who have sex with men. BelgiumBelgium reported to WHO one case of mpox due to clade Ib MPXV with recent travel to the Netherlands. This individual reported having had multiple sexual contacts with other men while in the Netherlands. Prior to 5 September, Belgium had reported six mpox cases caused by clade Ib MPXV, all linked to travel. France France notified WHO of one case of mpox due to clade Ib MPXV in an adult male traveller who had returned from East Africa. Prior to this period, France had reported three cases of mpox due to clade Ib MPXV, all linked to travel. Germany Germany notified WHO of three cases of mpox due to clade Ib MPXV. All three cases had a recent history of international travel: one, an adult male who had travelled to Angola, another an adult female who had travelled to Uganda, and the third, an adult male who had travelled to Viet Nam. Uganda has community transmission of clade Ib and Viet Nam has not previously reported cases of this subclade. Prior to 5 September, Germany had reported 12 mpox cases due to clade Ib MPXV, most of which were linked to travel. Greece Greece notified WHO of its first case of mpox due to clade Ib MPXV, in an adult male with a recent history of travel to the United Arab Emirates before arriving in Greece. IrelandIreland reported two cases linked to a small cluster which was reported before 5 September 2025. The index case had history of recent travel outside Europe. The first locally acquired case was a child (", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2025-12-05T17:52:36Z", "last_updated": "2025-12-05T17:52:36Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON590", "title": "Avian Influenza A(H5N5)- United States of America", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON590", "summary": "On 15 November 2025, WHO was notified of a confirmed human infection with influenza A(H5) in the United States of America\u2014the first reported in the country since February 2025 and the 71st since early 2024. On 20 November, CDC laboratory sequencing verified the virus as influenza A(H5N5), representing the first human case of this subtype reported globally. The patient was an adult with underlying medical conditions residing in Washington State. The patient developed symptoms including fever during the week ending 25 October 2025. During the week ending 8 November 2025, the patient was hospitalized with a serious illness and subsequently died on 21 November. Respiratory specimens collected at the healthcare facility tested positive for influenza A virus by RT-PCR and were presumptive positive for influenza A(H5) at the University of Washington. The specimens were sent to the Washington State Public Health Laboratory, where influenza A(H5) was confirmed using the CDC influenza A(H5) assay. The sample was received at the CDC on 19 November. Sequencing conducted at the University of Washington and at the CDC indicated this was an influenza A(H5N5) virus belonging to the H5 haemagglutinin (HA) clade 2.3.4.4b[1]. Public health investigation revealed that the patient kept backyard poultry and domestic birds. Additional epidemiological investigations are under way and include active monitoring of anyone who was in close contact with the patient.", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2025-12-05T17:06:31Z", "last_updated": "2025-12-05T17:06:31Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON589", "title": "Ebola virus disease \u2013 Democratic Republic of the Congo", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON589", "summary": "The EVD outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) was declared on 4 September 2025. As of 30 November 2025, a total of 64 cases (53 confirmed, 11 probable), including 45 deaths (CFR 70.3%), have been reported from six health areas (Bambalaie, Bulape, Bulape Com, Dikolo, Ingongo and Mpianga) in Bulape Health Zone, Kasai Province. Since the last confirmed case reported on 25 September 2025, no new confirmed EVD cases have been reported. There have been five cases among health workers (four nurses and one laboratory technician), three of whom have died. The epicentres of the outbreak have been localised in Dikolo (26 cases, 15 deaths) and Bulape (24 cases, 22 deaths) health areas, which together account for 78.1% of the total cases reported and 82.2% of all deaths. The outbreak initially involved nosocomial transmission and a high-transmission funeral gathering, with high mortality among young children. As of 12 October 2025, a total of 572 contacts were followed up. On 1 December 2025, the Ministry of Health declared the end of the outbreak. This declaration came after two consecutive incubation periods (42 days) since the last person confirmed with EVD tested negative for the virus and was discharged on 19 October 2025, as per WHO recommendations. Figure 1. Map of confirmed and probable cases and deaths of Ebola virus disease, Bulape Health Zone, Kasai province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, as of 30 November 2025 Figure 2: Epidemic curve of confirmed and probable Ebola virus disease cases in Bulape Health Zone, Kasai province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, as of 30 November 2025", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2025-12-01T13:57:19Z", "last_updated": "2025-12-01T13:57:19Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/DON588", "title": "Diphtheria - African Region (AFRO)", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/DON588", "summary": "In 2025, from 1 January to 2 November, a total of 20 412 suspected diphtheria cases, including 1 252 deaths (an average case fatality ratio [CFR] \u2013 6.1 %) have been reported across eight Member States in the WHO African Region (Algeria, Chad, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, and South Africa). Of these suspected cases, 9 864 (48.3%) cases have been confirmed through laboratory testing, epidemiological linkage, or clinical diagnosis. Laboratory confirmation was conducted for 5.7% (n = 1 177) of the suspected cases. Women, children aged 5\u201318 years, and young adults under 30 years are the most affected, confirming that the immunity gap extends well beyond early childhood. The situation has further deteriorated in Mali, Mauritania, and Niger, in recent weeks, with increasing case numbers and geographic spread of the outbreaks reported in these countries. The resurgence of diphtheria across multiple countries in the WHO African Region constitutes a serious public health concern which led to its grading as a grade 2 emergency under the Emergency Response Framework of WHO. Timely case detection, coordinated response, and clinical management remain critical to limiting transmission and reducing the high fatality rates observed in recent outbreaks. However, response efforts are being hampered by a global shortage of DAT and limited laboratory diagnostic capacity. Effective outbreak control requires comprehensive, multi-sectoral action across all response pillars including emergency coordination, laboratory confirmation, enhanced surveillance and case finding, clinical management with life-saving DAT and appropriate antibiotics (in accordance with WHO guidelines), infection prevention and control (IPC). Sustained vaccination efforts, coupled with risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) are essential to interrupt transmission and protect high-risk populations. In addition, preventing the recurrence of diphtheria outbreaks in the African Region will require strengthened health systems, particularly through robust routine immunization coverage. Summary of individual country situations from 1 January to 2 November 2025 Algeria Algeria reported a diphtheria outbreak in October 2025 in Skikda province, with 13 suspected cases and two deaths (CFR 15%). Eight of the suspected cases were laboratory-confirmed, and none of the confirmed cases had received diphtheria vaccination. The outbreak affected both children and adults, with males accounting for 62.5% of confirmed cases. A previous outbreak in southern Algeria, reported in 2024, involved over 900 suspected cases and 119 deaths (CFR 13%). According to WHO/UNICEF estimates of national immunization coverage (WUENIC) for 2024, Algeria has high national immunization coverage (98% for the first Diphtheria-Tetanus toxoid-Pertussis [DTP] dose and 92% for the third), however geopolitical instability in neighboring countries has led to mass displacement into southern Algeria, where vaccination coverage among refugees is low. The lack of data since May 2025 and limited information sharing are key challenges to assessing the full scope of the outbreak. Chad From 1 January to 2 November 2025, Chad reported 4 462 suspected diphtheria cases and 47 deaths (CFR 1.1%), with only four laboratory-confirmed cases. The significant amount of suspected diphtheria cases compared to the limited number of laboratory-confirmed cases highlights the challenge in the country to obtain a laboratory-confirmed diagnosis. The outbreak affects 27 out of 215 health districts across 7 of 23 provincial health delegations, with active transmission ongoing in three regions. Most cases are among children aged 3\u201313 years, and vaccination status is unknown for the vast majority. Chad faces a complex humanitarian crisis marked by conflict, displacement, and food insecurity. The country hosts over 1.4 million refugees, including more than 870 000 Sudanese refugees and 300 000 Chadian returnees. The health system is overwhelmed, and multiple infectious disease outbreaks, including yellow fever, measles, cholera, and hepatitis E, are occurring simultaneously. WHO, UNICEF, and MSF are supporting response efforts, but challenges include delayed reporting, insufficient case management kits, and logistical constraints. A request has been submitted to Gavi for vaccine supply and operational funding for mass immunization campaigns. According to WUENIC, the DTP coverage in 2024 was 84% for the first dose and 68% for the third dose. Guinea Guinea has experienced a resurgence of diphtheria since June 2025, with 476 suspected cases and 123 deaths. The CFR among the suspected cases is 25.8%, the highest among affected countries. The outbreak has affected four of 38 prefectures (11%), with human-to-human transmission concentrated in the Kankan region, particularly in Siguiri district, which accounts for over 80% of reported cases and fatalities. Laboratory confirmation remains limited, with only 70 cases confirmed. The outbreak follows a major event in 2023 that affected multiple regions and led to over 4 500 suspected cases. Guinea\u2019s response is hampered by delayed presentation to health facilities, and insufficient resources for clinical management and community engagement. The outbreak is occurring in gold mining areas with high population mobility, increasing transmission risk. According to WUENIC in Guinea for 2024, the immunization coverage remains low (77% for the first DTP dose and 63% for the third), and urgent needs include DAT supply, improved clinical pathways, and expanded vaccination efforts. Mali From 1 January to 2 November 2025, Mali has reported 430 suspected diphtheria cases and 29 deaths (CFR 6.7%), with 46 laboratory-confirmed cases. The outbreak has affected seven out of 11 regions (64%), including the capital city Bamako, with the number of affected districts increasing from three to 30 out of 75 in less than six weeks, representing a rapid geographic expansion. Mali is experiencing a complex humanitarian crisis driven by conflict, climate related disruptions, and limited access to basic services. In 2025, 6.4 million people required humanitarian assistance. Displacement and restricted access to healthcare have contributed to low immunization coverage among vulnerable populations. According to WUENIC in 2024, estimates show 91% coverage for the first DTP dose and 82% for the third. Challenges include underreporting, limited availability of DAT, and logistical constraints. The outbreak response is hindered by concurrent emergencies and overstretched health services. Mauritania From 1 January to 2 November 2025, Mauritania has reported 849 suspected cases of diphtheria and 33 deaths (CFR 4%), with 318 confirmed cases. After an initial delay, the outbreak was officially declared on 25 September 2025 and has rapidly expanded across 11 out of 53 departments (21%). An upsurge of cases has been observed since late September. The most affected age groups are children and adolescents aged 5\u201319 years, and women account for 60% of suspected cases. Only 10% of cases have documented vaccination history. Mauritania hosts the largest refugee camp for Malians, with over 118 000 refugees, mostly women and children. The outbreak coincides with a Rift Valley fever outbreak in some of the same regions. Response efforts are challenged by limited resource mobilization, weak active case finding, and insufficient community sensitization. Reactive vaccination campaigns have been initiated, but gaps remain in funding, logistics, and healthcare worker training. According to WUENIC in 2024, the immunization coverage is relatively high (95% for the first DTP dose and 86% for the third), but subnational disparities persist. Niger From 1 January to 2 November 2025, Niger has reported 1 926 suspected diphtheria cases and 122 deaths CFR (6.3%), with 765 laboratory-confirmed cases. The outbreak has affected 34 out of 72 health districts (47%) across eight regions, with most cases concentrated in Agadez, Diffa and Zinder. Compared to 2024, there have been fewer reported cases and deaths, but transmission remains active. Niger is facing a protracted humanitarian crisis driven by insecurity, climate related disruptions, economic pressures, and displacement. An estimated 2.6 million people require humanitarian assistance. According to WUENIC in 2024, the immunization coverage is relatively high (95% for the first DTP dose and 86% for the third), but recent outbreaks highlight gaps in vaccine access and delivery. A vaccination campaign in September 2025 achieved high coverage, and a second round is planned. Challenges include limited diagnostic and treatment capacity, insufficient vaccine quantities, low public awareness, and funding constraints. Nigeria Nigeria continues to report the highest number of diphtheria cases in the African Region. From 1 January to 2 November 2025, 12 150 suspected cases have been reported, with 8 587 confirmed and 884 deaths (CFR 7.2%). Confirmed cases have been reported from 240 Local Government Areas across 30 states. Most cases are clinically compatible, with only 3% confirmed by laboratory testing. The outbreak has disproportionately affected children and adolescents, with low vaccination coverage contributing to the spread. In Nigeria more than 2 million children are under-immunized, including those with zero-doses, highlighting the high risk of further spread. Reactive campaigns have been conducted in Imo, Kaduna and Lagos, targeting health workers and priority populations. The outbreak overlaps with areas targeted by the Big Catch-up initiative. Challenges include delayed laboratory confirmation, poor IPC practices, limited information, education and communication materials, and vaccine shortages. Discussions with Gavi are ongoing to secure additional support. According to WUENIC in 2024, the estimates show 71% coverage for the first DTP dose and 67% for the third. South Africa From 1 January to 26 October 2025, South Africa has reported 106 diphtheria cases, including 66 laboratory-confirmed respiratory cases, two laboratory-confirmed cutaneous cases, one probable respiratory case, and 37 asymptomatic carriers. The outbreak has affected 5 of 9 provinces (55%), highlighting the involvement of multiple provinces. Most cases and carriers are from the Western Cape, with additional clusters in Limpopo, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga. CFR among probable and confirmed respiratory diphtheria cases was 18% (12/67). Most respiratory cases occurred in adults aged 18 years and older. Clusters have been documented among vulnerable populations, including individuals in correctional facilities. According to WUENIC in 2024, the immunization coverage remains below 80% in most provinces (76% for the first DTP dose and 74% for the third), and immunity gaps are widening. The outbreak response is challenged by competing priorities, limited human resources, and limited global supply of diphtheria antitoxin. Detailed case investigations and in-depth risk assessments are needed to guide targeted interventions. Geographical distribution of diphtheria outbreaks in the WHO African Region, January 2025 until 2 November 2025 Table 1. Summary of reported ongoing diphtheria outbreaks in the WHO African region, January \u2013 2 November 2025 Table 2. Summary of vaccination coverage by diphtheria-affected country (WUENIC, 2024)", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2025-11-21T18:29:27Z", "last_updated": "2025-11-21T18:29:27Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON585", "title": "Marburg virus disease- Ethiopia", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON585", "summary": "As of 20 November 2025, 33 laboratory tests have been conducted, of which six confirmed cases, including three deaths, have been reported. Of the six confirmed cases, three are currently alive and on treatment. In addition to the lab-confirmed cases, a further three epidemiologically linked cases could not be tested; all three are deceased and recorded as probable cases. A total of 206 contacts have been identified, and contacts are under active follow-up. The number of contacts will continue to change as the response evolves. Clinically, patients have presented with high-grade fever, headache, vomiting, abdominal pain, and watery or bloody diarrhoea. Haemorrhagic manifestations, including nose bleeding and vomiting blood were observed in five cases, consistent with multi-organ failure. As this is the first time Ethiopia is reporting MVD, WHO recommends that samples be shared with a reference laboratory for inter-laboratory comparison. Figure 1: Map of Ethiopia showing location of Jinka town", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2025-11-21T16:33:57Z", "last_updated": "2025-11-21T16:33:57Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON584", "title": "Rift Valley fever- Mauritania and Senegal", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON584", "summary": "Mauritania Human cases: Between 27 September and 30 October 2025, a total of 46 confirmed human cases of RVF, including 14 associated deaths (case fatality ratio: 30%), were reported in eleven districts from thirteen regions (wilayas), three of which share international borders: Assaba (bordering Mali to the south), Brakna and Trarza (both bordering Senegal along the Senegal River). Out of a total of 190 samples tested, 46 were positive, i.e. a positivity rate of 24.2%. Animal cases: On 30 October 2025, the Mauritanian Ministry of Animal Resources reported a total of 62 animal outbreaks, with 235 positive samples out of 1106 collected and tested. The first animal cases, involving goats and dromedaries, were reported in August 2025. A total of 235 animal cases, including 71 deaths (two in camels and 14 in goats), have been reported in Aioun (Hodh El Gharbi region) and Timbedra (Hodh Ech Chargui region), both located in the southeast near the border with Mali, as well as in Maghta Lahjar (Brakna region) in the center of the country. In the Brakna region, 46 animal cases and 55 deaths have been reported to WOAH. Affected species include sheep, goats, dromedaries and cattle. RVF is endemic in Mauritania. The last major outbreak occurred in 2022, with 47 confirmed human cases, including 23 deaths (case fatality ratio 49%), mainly affecting pastoralists in nine of the fifteen regions. During this outbreak, cattle, camels and small ruminants were also affected, with positivity rates in animals approaching 21.2%. Senegal Human cases: Between 20 September and 30 October 2025, the Republic of Senegal reported a total of 358 confirmed human cases of RVF, including 28 deaths (case fatality rate: 7.8%). The cases were recorded in 22 health districts from eight administrative regions, with the vast majority (78%) reported in the Saint-Louis region. Additional cases have been reported in Dakar (nine cases), Fatick (12 cases), Kaolack (13 cases), Louga (18 cases), Matam (23 cases), Thi\u00e8s (2 cases) and Tambacounda (2 cases). The affected districts in the Saint-Louis region, namely Dagana (32 cases), Pete (9 cases), Podor (32 cases), Richard-Toll (133 cases) and Saint-Louis (73 cases), are all located along the northern border with Mauritania, close to the Senegal River. Animal cases: Animal infections have been detected in the same areas as human cases. On 23 September 2025, authorities collected 1122 blood samples and four abortion samples from small ruminant herds in the affected villages. Laboratory analyses confirmed 36 positive samples from six herds. As of 29 October 2025, a total of 160 confirmed animal cases of RVF have been reported in sheep, goats and cattle in seven regions of Senegal: Dakar, Fatick, Louga, Matam, Saint-Louis, Tambacounda and Thi\u00e8s. In addition, 640 animal abortions were reported in three regions. As of 22 October 2025, the country has notified WOAH of 26 RVF outbreaks, affecting a total of 59 animals, including two deaths. RVF is endemic in Senegal, with previous outbreaks affecting both human and animal populations. The last confirmed human case prior to this outbreak was reported in January 2025 in Touba, Diourbel region, while the last human case in the Saint-Louis region was in 2022. Figure 1. Geographic distribution of confirmed human RVF cases (404) and deaths (n=42) in Mauritania and Senegal, September 20 to 30 October 2025.", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2025-11-05T15:38:08Z", "last_updated": "2025-11-05T15:38:08Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON581", "title": "Chikungunya virus disease- Global situation", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON581", "summary": "Global overview Globally as of December 2024, current or previous autochthonous transmission of CHIKV had been reported from 119 countries and territories across six WHO regions. In addition, 27 countries and territories had evidence of established and competent Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus vector populations but had not yet documented autochthonous CHIKV transmission. Per available data from January to September 2025, 263 592 suspected and 181 679 confirmed CHIKV disease cases and 155 CHIKV disease-related deaths have been reported globally. While certain WHO Regions are reporting lower case numbers compared to 2024, others are experiencing marked increases. This heterogeneity in regional trends complicates the interpretation of a global increase. Instead, the data suggest localized resurgence or emergence in specific geographic areas. The region of the Americas has reported the highest number of cases followed by the European region (comprised of cases reported predominantly from French Overseas Departments in the Indian Ocean). Table 1: Number of suspected and confirmed CHIKV disease cases and deaths by region in 2025, as of September 2025. *Note: the date of last report varies by country Figure 1: Geographical distribution of CHIKV disease cases as reported to WHO or Publicly shared by Ministries of Health from January to September 2025 Regional overview African region As of September 2025, a total of 2197 suspected and 108 confirmed CHIKV disease cases have been reported from four countries: Comoros, Kenya, Mauritius, and Senegal with Mauritius recording the highest number of cases. In Comoros, between 1 January to 31 May 2025 (epi week 1 and epi week 22), a total of four confirmed cases have been reported, while Senegal reported seven confirmed cases. In Mauritius, a total of 1583 cases have been reported between 15 March to 4 August 2025 (epi week 12 to epi week 32), including 1543 local and 40 imported cases. There have been no reported deaths. In Kenya, a chikungunya outbreak was confirmed in Mombasa County as of 8 June 2025 (epi week 23). By 6 July 2025 (epi week 27), a total of 614 cases had been recorded, including 97 laboratory-confirmed cases. Since then, no further cases have been reported. No chikungunya-related deaths have been recorded to date. Eastern Mediterranean Region As of September 2025, a total of 1596 suspected, and 67 confirmed CHIKV disease cases have been reported from Pakistan and Somalia. In Pakistan, CHIKV disease cases in 2025 have been reported at rates similar to those in 2024. A notable increase occurred between 4 May to 21 June 2025 (epi weeks 19 to 25), with 101 to 121 suspected CHIKV disease cases reported per week during this period. In Somalia, a chikungunya outbreak has been confirmed in Sool region, with 488 suspected cases reported between January and June 2025. Eight out of 10 samples tested were laboratory-confirmed for chikungunya. Somalia has also recorded imported travel related cases. European Region As of 15 September 2025, two European countries\u2014France and Italy\u2014have reported locally acquired cases of CHIKV disease. France has recorded 479 cases distributed across 54 clusters, with 40 clusters currently active. Italy has reported 205 locally acquired cases distributed across four clusters of which three clusters are currently active. A total of 56 456 CHIKV disease cases, and 40 deaths, have been reported from four countries in the European region in 2025. In France, the increased incidence of CHIKV outbreaks in 2025 represent a deviation from observed patterns in previous years. In 2024, only one CHIKV disease case was reported. The larger number of chikungunya cases this year, along with their early onset, are linked to an epidemic in La R\u00e9union and the broader Indian Ocean region, driven by a viral strain that is highly adapted to the Aedes albopictus mosquito. In the French overseas department of La R\u00e9union, a total of 54 517 confirmed cases and 40 deaths have been reported in 2025 (as of 14 September). There has been a steady decline in new cases since 26 April (epi week 17) indicating that the outbreak is waning. This marks the first autochthonous transmission of chikungunya on the island since 2014. In Mayotte, following two imported cases from La R\u00e9union, the first locally acquired CHIKV disease case was confirmed in March 2025. As of 18 September 2025, a total of 1255 locally acquired cases, including 39 hospitalizations, have been reported. The transmission receded since August with only a few cases reported per week on average. Region of the Americas As of 20 September 2025, CHIKV disease transmission continues across the Americas in line with expected seasonal patterns. A total of 228 591 suspected cases have been reported from 14 countries, including 100 329 confirmed cases and 115 deaths. In Bolivia, a total of 5372 CHIKV disease cases have been reported, 73% of which are laboratory confirmed, along with four deaths. The outbreak primarily affected the department of Santa Cruz with 99% of cases (n=3905, including four deaths). Additionally, cases were reported in the departments of Beni, Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, Pando, and Tarija. Brazil accounts for nearly 96% of all reported cases and deaths in the region, with 96 159 confirmed cases and 111 deaths. In Cuba, between 1 January to 20 September, 34 cases of chikungunya were reported, all confirmed by laboratory by RT-PCR test, in the provinces of Guantanamo, La Habana, Matanzas, Pinar del Rio and Santiago de Cuba. Public health interventions have been implemented. South- East Asia Region As of early September 2025, over 34 628 CHIKV disease cases, both suspected and confirmed, have been reported in the WHO South-East Asia region, primarily from India and Bangladesh. In India, between 1 January and 31 March 2025, a total of 30 876 suspected cases and 1741 confirmed cases were reported. The states reporting the highest number of confirmed cases were Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. In Bangladesh, the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research between reported a total of 732 suspected CHIKV disease cases in Dhaka city between 1 January and 31 August 2025. Of these, 400 cases were laboratory-confirmed by RT-PCR. In Sri Lanka, a total of 151 confirmed CHIKV disease cases were reported from sentinel sites in Colombo, Gampaha and Kandy between 1 January 2025 and the second week of March 2025. According to the Epidemiology Unit Division situation report, dated 31 August 2025, the CHIKV disease cases continued to increase and peaked in June 2025. Over half of the reported cases were from the Western Province, with Colombo District alone reporting 33%. The most affected age group was 41\u201360 years (36.4%), although an increasing trend was noted among children. In Thailand, a total of 1128 CHIKV disease cases were reported between 1 January and 14 September 2025. Bueng Kan (142), Chiang Mai (411), and Loei (125) are the provinces reporting the most cases. The age distribution of cases is: 0-4 years 2%, 5-9 years 3%, 10-14 years 6%, 15-19 years 4%, 20-29 years 9%, 30-39 years 17%, 40-49 years 17%, 50-59 years 16%, \u2265 60 years 26%. Western Pacific Region A total of 21 299 CHIKV disease cases including four countries reporting imported cases, with no deaths, have been reported from 16 countries and areas in the Western Pacific region in 2025. Of these, five countries reported local transmission, six reported imported cases, and five reported no cases during the year. In China (excluding Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, and Taiwan, China), as of 27 September 2025, a total of 16 452 locally transmitted cases has been reported in Guangdong Province. All cases were laboratory-confirmed. This represents the largest documented chikungunya outbreak to date in China. The cases have been reported in 21 cities, mainly in Foshan City (10032), Jiangmen City (5209), Guangzhou City (590), Shenzhen City (128), Zhanjiang City (112), Zhuhai City (60), and Zhongshan City (54). Additionally, during 1-21 September, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region reported 297 local and associated cases; Fujian Province reported 124 local and associated cases; and some other provinces (such as Hunan, Sichuan, and Hainan provinces) also reported a few local cases. According to the data as of 16 August 2025, among all locally reported cases nationwide, the age distribution is: 0-5 years 3.1 %, 6-17 years 13.6 %, 18-45 years 37.0 %, 46-60 years 23.3 %, 61-74 years 15.2 %, and \u226575 years 7.8 %. Up to now, all reported cases have been mild, with no severe cases or deaths. In Indonesia, as of 31 July 2025, a total of 3608 confirmed CHIKV disease cases across 19 provinces have been reported, compared to 1399 confirmed cases reported during the same period in 2024. No chikungunya-related deaths have been recorded to date. The risk of future increases persists, particularly during the transition from the rainy to the dry season, with heightened concern in the most populous and frequently visited provinces: West Java, Central Java, East Java, and Banten. The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has strengthened detection and reporting through its Early Warning Alert and Response System (EWARS) and has implemented response measures in high-risk areas. In Malaysia, as of 2 August 2025, a total of 40 CHIKV disease cases have been reported in 2025, compared to the 63 cases reported during the same period in 2024. No chikungunya-related deaths have been recorded to date. During the current reporting year, three chikungunya clusters were reported. Case investigation, integrated vector management, community engagement, and multisectoral collaboration efforts were implemented. All outbreaks were successfully contained within two weeks of detection, indicating an effective public health response and outbreak management. In Philippines, as of 16 August 2025, a total of 628 CHIKV disease cases have been reported, a 78% decrease from 2886 cases reported in the same period in 2024. The national trend has been fluctuating, with 46 cases reported from 20 July to 2 August 2025, which is 10% lower than the 51 cases reported two weeks prior (6 to 19 July 2025). Cases ranged from 1 to 87 years old, with a median age of 33. Females accounted for 66% of cases (414 out of 628). There was one death reported (CFR: 0.16%). Local health authorities have investigated areas with clustering of cases to determine risk factors and implement vector control activities In Singapore, as of 20 September 2025, 25 cases of CHIKV disease cases have been reported, compared to 12 cases reported during the same period in 2024. The majority of the cases were individuals with recent travel to chikungunya-affected areas. No chikungunya-related deaths and no sustained local transmission have been reported. The Communicable Diseases Agency Singapore continues to monitor the situation closely and provides ongoing guidance on prevention and control measures, particularly focusing on vector control to limit further transmission.", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2025-10-03T13:08:06Z", "last_updated": "2025-10-03T13:08:06Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON582", "title": "Nipah virus infection - Bangladesh", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON582", "summary": "Between 1 January and 29 August 2025, the Bangladesh IHR NFP notified WHO of four confirmed fatal Nipah virus (NiV) infection cases that occurred at different times from four separate districts across three different divisions (Barisal, Dhaka, and Rajshahi) of Bangladesh. All cases were confirmed through Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) testing, and no epidemiological links were reported to have been identified between the cases. The first case was a young adult woman from Pabna district, Rajshahi division, with symptom onset on 25 January. She was admitted to a community hospital on 26 January and referred to another hospital the next day. She died on 28 January, and laboratory confirmation of NiV was received on 29 January. A total of 96 contacts were reported to be identified, and all tested negative for NiV. The second case was an adult man from Bhola district, Barisal division, who developed symptoms on 13 February and was admitted to hospital on 19 February. He was transferred to another hospital the next day and died on 22 February. NiV infection was confirmed on 21 February. A total of 71 contacts were reportedly identified, and all tested negative for NiV. The third case was an adult man from Faridpur district, Dhaka division, with symptom onset on 17 February. He was admitted to hospital on 25 February and died the same day. NiV infection was confirmed on 26 February. A total of 66 contacts were identified, and all tested negative for NiV. The fourth case was a male child from Naogaon district, Rajshahi division, with symptom onset on 3 August. He was admitted to a hospital on 8 August and moved to the intensive care unit the following day. He died on 14 August. Samples collected on 10 August tested positive for NiV on 22 August. An outbreak investigation team was deployed the same day. A total of 72 contacts were identified, and samples from 11 symptomatic contacts were collected. Six tested negative, while the results for the remaining are awaited. This case was reported outside the typical season (December to April). The first three cases had a history of consuming raw palm sap. However, the fourth case had no history of consuming raw palm sap, and the likely source/s of infection remain under investigation. None of the cases appears to be linked to each other. Fruit bats, the known reservoir for NiV, are present in the affected regions. Since the report of the first case in 2001, human infections have been reported almost every year, with case fatality ratios (CFR) varying between 25% (in 2009) and 100% (in 2024). In 2024, five laboratory-confirmed fatal cases of NiV were reported from Bangladesh (Figure 1, Figure 2). Figure 1. Annual number of reported Nipah virus cases and deaths, 1 January 2001 \u2013 9 September 2025, Bangladesh. Source: Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research, Bangladesh. https://iedcr.portal.gov.bd/site/page/d5c87d45-b8cf-4a96-9f94-7170e017c9ce/- Figure 2. Distribution of Nipah cases in Bangladesh, 2001-2025, as of 14 August 2025", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2025-09-18T09:38:38Z", "last_updated": "2025-09-18T09:38:38Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON580", "title": "Ebola virus disease \u2013 Democratic Republic of the Congo", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON580", "summary": "On 1 September 2025, WHO received an alert from the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) regarding suspected cases of EVD in the Bulape Health Zone, Kasai Province, DRC. The first known suspected index case was admitted to the Bulape General Reference Hospital on 20 August 2025. The patient was a pregnant woman at 34-weeks of gestation who presented with symptoms of fever, bloody diarrhoea, haemorrhage, vomiting, asthenia, followed by multiple organ failure. She died on 25 August 2025. Two of the health-care workers that had initially been in contact with this first case also developed similar symptoms and died. As of 4 September 2025, a total of 28 suspected cases, including 15 deaths, of which four are health-care workers (case fatality ratio (CFR): 54%) have been reported from three areas of the Bulape health zone (Bulape, Bulape Com and Dikolo) and Mweka health zone. About 80% of the suspected cases are aged 15 years and older. Five blood samples from five suspected cases and a naso-pharyngeal swab from a probable death were collected from the three health areas and shipped to the National Public Health Laboratory (INRB) in Kinshasa for testing. On 3 September 2025, the laboratory testing conducted at INRB confirmed Ebola virus (EBOV)[1] through GeneXpert and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assays. The results obtained from whole genome sequencing suggest that the outbreak is a new zoonotic spillover event and is not directly linked to the 2007 Luebo or 2008/2009 Mweka EVD outbreaks.[2] Figure 1. Map of suspected cases and deaths of Ebola virus disease by health zone, as of 4 September 2025", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2025-09-05T15:56:22Z", "last_updated": "2025-09-05T15:56:22Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON579", "title": "Cholera \u2013 Multi-country with a focus on countries experiencing current surges", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON579", "summary": "In 2025, the global cholera situation continues to pose a significant public health challenge across multiple regions. Between 1 January and 17 August 2025, a total of 409 222 cholera/AWD cases and 4738 deaths were reported globally, from 31 countries.[1] During the same period in 2024, 510 638 cases and 3248 deaths were reported from 28 countries, representing a 20% decrease in cases, but a 46% increase in deaths. In 2025, the Eastern Mediterranean Region recorded the highest number of cholera/AWD cases (230 991 cases, six countries), followed by the African Region (172 750 cases, 23 countries), the South-East Asia Region (2985 cholera/AWD cases, five countries), and the Region of the Americas (2496 cases, one country). Cholera-related deaths were highest in the African Region (3763 deaths, CFR 2.2 %), followed by the Eastern Mediterranean Region (943 deaths, CFR 0.4%), the Region of the Americas (31 deaths, CFR 1.2%), and the South-East Asia Region (One death, CFR 0.03%). Meanwhile, the European and Western Pacific regions have not reported any outbreaks. Cholera is resurging in a number of countries, with some that had not reported substantial case numbers in years, including Chad and the Republic of the Congo, while others, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), South Sudan, and Sudan, are experiencing outbreaks that are continuing from 2024, with significant geographic expansion. The spread into previously unaffected areas is complicating containment efforts and straining fragile health systems. These trends reveal deep systemic weaknesses in health systems, Water, Hygiene, and Sanitation (WASH), and disease surveillance systems, especially in countries facing humanitarian crises. Cross-border transmission is occurring, underscoring the urgent need for stronger surveillance, timely reporting, and coordinated response across international borders. The disease burden remains high, particularly in the following countries currently experiencing acute outbreaks: Chad, DRC, the Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, and Sudan. These countries continue to report high transmission rates, case fatality rates, and experience significant challenges in outbreak control and access to care. However, differences in case definitions and reporting systems have been observed across countries and regions, which may affect the comparability of data and the interpretation of trends. Therefore, given these complexities, the data presented here likely underestimates the true burden of cholera and should be interpreted with caution. Figure 1. The global cholera and acute watery diarrhoea (AWD) cases per 100 000 population, 1 January to 17 August 2025 * * Afghanistan and Myanmar report AWD cases. Figure 2. Number of cholera cases by epidemiological week of reporting, as of 17 August 2025. Data source: WHO Figure 3. Cholera cases by epidemiological week of reporting (Chad, Republic of the Congo, DRC, South Sudan and Sudan) available as of 17 August 2025. Data source: WHO Overview of selected countries Cholera is resurging in a number of countries, including some that have not reported cases in years; the countries highlighted in this report continue to report high transmission rates, case fatality rates, and experience significant challenges in outbreak control and access to care. For a more detailed overview of cholera globally, please refer to the regularly produced global cholera situation report. Chad On 24 July 2025, Chad officially confirmed a cholera outbreak, following the report of the first suspected case on 13 July from Dougui Camp in Chokoyane health district, located in Ouadda\u00ef province along the border with Sudan. Between 13 July and 19 August, the country reported a total of 776 cholera cases, including 53 deaths, resulting in a case fatality rate (CFR) of 6.8%. Of these deaths, 27 occurred in the community, highlighting gaps in timely access to care. Laboratory confirmation has been obtained for 32 cases through culture testing. As of 19 August, suspected cholera cases have been reported from two provinces (Ouadda\u00ef and Sila) and six health districts: Abdi, Adr\u00e9, Amleyouna, Chokoyane, Farchana and Hadjer Hadid. Among these, Chokoyane is the most affected, accounting for 541 cases and 25 deaths, with a district-specific CFR of 4.6%. Republic of the Congo Between 23 June and 17 August 2025, the Republic of the Congo reported a total of 457 suspected cholera cases and 35 deaths, resulting in a CFR of 7.7 %. The outbreak, which began in the Brazzaville district, has been spreading to districts along the Congo River. Brazzaville has recorded a CFR of 4.8 % (269 cases; 13 deaths), while Congo-Oubangui has experienced a significantly higher CFR of 11.7 % (188 cases; 22 deaths). The most affected age group is 15 to 24 years, accounting for 19% of all reported cases. Democratic Republic of the Congo From 1 January to 10 August 2025, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported a total of 46 800 cholera cases and 1362 deaths, resulting in a CFR of 2.9%. Cholera cases have been reported in 16 out of the country\u2019s 26 provinces, with Kwango being the most recently affected as of week 31. During week 32, the country recorded 1887 new cases and 84 deaths, representing a 4.8% and 1.2 % decrease compared to the previous week, respectively. In the past four weeks, 57.4% of all cases have been concentrated in Kinshasa, North-Kivu, South-Kivu and Tshopo provinces. Kinshasa alone has reported 1781 cases and 136 deaths, with a notably high CFR of 8%. In week 31, Kinshasa recorded 126 cases and five deaths, with a weekly CFR of 4%. This shows a declining trend compared with the previous weeks. South Sudan From 1 January to 17 August 2025, South Sudan has reported a total of 71 825 suspected cholera cases and 1194 deaths, resulting in a CFR of 1.7 %. The outbreak has affected 55 of 80 counties across eight states and three administrative areas, demonstrating widespread transmission throughout the country. During the most recent reporting month, from 21 July to 17 August 2025, 2472 cases and 36 deaths were recorded nationwide. Between 14 July to 13 August 2025, approximately 74% of the cases reported were concentrated in Unity State, the Abyei Administrative Area, and Central Equatoria. Unity State reported 1562 cases and 10 deaths, Abyei recorded 988 cases and two deaths, while Central Equatoria registered 244 cases and two deaths. Sudan Between 1 January and 11 August 2025, Sudan has reported a total of 48 768 cholera and acute watery diarrhoea cases, along with 1094 deaths, resulting in a CFR of 2.2 %. The outbreak has affected all 18 states, with the majority of cases, 72 % reported from Khartoum (22 225 cases), North Kordofan (7394 cases), and White Nile (5622 cases). Cholera has also been confirmed in all five Darfur states, where both cases and deaths are rising. New areas, including border localities near Chad, have recently reported cases, indicating expanding transmission. The reported cholera burden varies significantly across the Darfur states. In the northern state, 3687 cases and 26 deaths have been reported, with a CFR of 0.7 %. The southern state has recorded 1589 cases and 66 deaths, resulting in a higher CFR of 4.2 %. The central state has reported 682 cases and nine deaths (CFR 1.3 %), while the eastern state has seen 517 cases and 26 deaths, with a notably high CFR of 5%. The western state has reported 17 cases with no associated deaths. There are identified gaps in the surveillance system in Darfur, which may lead to delayed reporting from some areas and no reports in others.", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2025-08-29T09:00:18Z", "last_updated": "2025-08-29T09:00:18Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON578", "title": "Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 1- Israel", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON578", "summary": "On 4 August 2025, WHO received an International Health Regulations notification from the IHR National Focal Point (NFP) for Israel reporting the declaration of a circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 1 (cVDPV1) outbreak in the country. Between February and July 2025, nine genetically related VDPV1 isolates were detected in environmental samples collected from seven sampling sites, four of which are geographically non-overlapping in the Jerusalem district and Central Region. Laboratory analyses and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) indicate that these viruses are genetically linked to each other and to multiple Sabin-like viruses isolated from environmental samples since October 2024. As of 8 August 2025, cVDPV1 has been detected only in environmental samples, with no paralytic cases reported at this stage. However current evidence supports classification of this event as an outbreak of cVDPV1 with sustained community transmission. Prior to this outbreak a Sabin-like type 1 virus (SL1), related to SL1 viruses detected in environmental surveillance, was the cause of an acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) case in an unvaccinated 17-year-old male from Jerusalem that was reported on 23 December 2024 and classified as vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis (VAPP). Israel discontinued routine use of the bivalent oral polio vaccine (bOPV) in March 2025 but continues to administer four doses of inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) as part of the routine immunization schedule up to 12 months of age. The WHO/UNICEF Estimates of National Immunization Coverage for three doses of IPV in 2024 was 98%. However, vaccination coverage in Jerusalem is notably lower and below WHO\u2019s recommended coverage threshold, which is necessary to maintain sufficient population immunity and prevent poliovirus transmission.", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2025-08-20T16:36:57Z", "last_updated": "2025-08-20T16:36:57Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON577", "title": "Nipah Virus Infection - India", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON577", "summary": "Between 17 May and 12 July 2025, the Information and Public Relations Department, Government of Kerala through a series of official press releases informed about four confirmed NiV cases, including two deaths, due to NiV infection from two districts of Kerala State. Of the four cases, two were reported from Malappuram and two from Palakkad district. This marks the first-ever outbreak in Palakkad District. Of the four cases, one case was reported in May (with symptom onset in April) and three in July with symptom onset June (two cases), and July (one case). The first patient was an adult woman from Malappuram district with symptom onset on 25 April. The patient was admitted in critical condition to a local hospital in Malappuram with fever, cough, and respiratory distress due to worsening of symptoms. She was transferred to intensive care on 2 May due to acute encephalitis syndrome. Samples were collected and tested positive for NiV at Calicut Medical College on 6 May. Confirmatory testing was conducted by the National Institute of Virology, Pune, and results confirmed on 8 May. The second patient, also an adult woman from Malappuram district developed symptoms on 23 June and died on 1 July. She visited multiple healthcare facilities, before being transferred to a government medical facility, where clinical suspicion of NiV led to sample collection and laboratory testing. The third patient is an adult woman from Palakkad district who developed symptoms on 25 June. She sought care at several healthcare facilities, before being admitted to a multi-specialty hospital, where she remains in critical condition on ventilator support. This is the first confirmed NiV case in Palakkad district. The fourth case was an adult male also from Palakkad district, who developed symptoms on 6 July 2025. He sought initial medical care on the same day, was admitted to a private hospital on 10 July, and transferred to a multi-specialty hospital on 11 July. On 12 July, he died and was confirmed with NiV infection. This is the second confirmed case in Palakkad district. The sources of infection of the cases remain under investigation. None of these cases appear to be linked to each other, suggesting independent spillover events from the natural reservoir. A significant presence of fruit bats, the known reservoir for NiV has been observed in the affected areas.", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2025-08-06T11:33:56Z", "last_updated": "2025-08-06T11:33:56Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON576", "title": "Rabies - Timor-Leste", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON576", "summary": "As of 17 June 2025, a total of four human rabies deaths have been confirmed in Timor-Leste in 2025. These cases occurred in the municipalities of Bobonaro (n=2), Ermera (n=1), and Oecusse (n=1). On 17 May 2025, the Timor-Leste Ministry of Health (MoH) confirmed a fatal human case of rabies in an adult male from Ermera Municipality. The person was bitten by a dog in March 2025 and developed symptoms including hydrophobia, photophobia, aggressiveness, convulsions, and hallucinations. On 15 May, the individual sought medical care and was transferred to a national hospital. Rabies infection was confirmed the same day by RT-PCR testing at the National Health Laboratory (NHL) in Timor-Leste, using a saliva sample collected before death. On 30 May 2025, a second fatal case of rabies was confirmed in an adult male from Oecusse Municipality. The person had been bitten by a dog in June 2024 and developed symptoms including hydrophobia and photophobia. The individual presented to a regional hospital on 27 May 2025. Rabies infection was confirmed on 29 May by RT-PCR testing at the NHL. On 13 June 2025, a third fatal case was confirmed in an adult male from Bobonaro Municipality. The person had been bitten by a dog approximately 2\u20133 months prior to symptom onset and developed symptoms including hydrophobia and difficulty swallowing. On 12 June, the individual sought medical care and was transferred to a national hospital in Dili. A saliva sample collected before death tested positive for rabies by RT-PCR at the NHL. On 17 June 2025, a fourth fatal case was confirmed in a female child from Bobonaro Municipality. The child had been bitten by a dog approximately two months prior to symptom onset and developed symptoms including hydrophobia, insomnia, hallucinations, hyperactivity, difficulty swallowing, and convulsions. On 12 June, the child was taken to medical care. A saliva sample tested positive for rabies by RT-PCR at the NHL on 13 June. On 14 June 2025, the child was transferred to a national hospital. Prior to this, two additional fatal human rabies cases were reported in 2024, bringing the total number of confirmed human rabies deaths since the emergence of the disease in 2024 to six. In March 2024, the first confirmed animal cases of rabies (in dogs) were reported in Oecusse Municipality. As of 1 June 2025, a total of 106 animal rabies cases have been confirmed in Timor-Leste. Of these, 103 (97%) were in dogs, two in goats (in Bobonaro and Oecusse), and one in swine (in Bobonaro). Oecusse Municipality is an enclave of Timor-Leste located within Indonesia\u2019s East Nusa Tenggara province (NTT), where rabies is endemic and human cases are frequently reported. Both fatal human rabies cases reported in 2024 occurred in Oecusse. However, in 2025, one human case was reported in Ermera, an inland municipality that does not border Indonesia. This suggests that rabies may be spreading beyond border areas, highlighting the need to expand surveillance, monitor the movement of infected dogs, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), dog vaccination, education and awareness raising, and address the risk of undetected transmission in the country\u2019s interior regions. Between March 2024 and 15 June 2025, a total of 1445 dog scratches and bites were reported in Timor-Leste. Of these, 41% were classified as WHO category III exposures. Only 18% of category III exposures received rabies immunoglobulin. Although 66% of all bite victims began PEP, most did not complete the full course.", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2025-07-24T15:43:44Z", "last_updated": "2025-07-24T15:43:44Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON575", "title": "Avian Influenza A(H5N1) - Cambodia", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON575", "summary": "Between 1 January and 1 July 2025, the National IHR Focal Point (NFP) of the Kingdom of Cambodia notified WHO of 11 laboratory-confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus (clade 2.3.2.1e- formerly classified as 2.3.2.1c; from cases where virus sequences are available to date) including six deaths [CFR: 54%]. These cases are reported from the provinces of Siem Reap (4), Takeo (2), Kampong Cham (1), Kampong Speu (1), Kratie (1), Prey Veng (1), Svay Rieng (1). Of the total cases reported in 2025, seven cases were reported in June 2025. Males account for 63% of the cases. Of the 11 cases, three cases were reported in less than five-year-olds, two cases were between the age of 5 and 18 years and six cases were reported in the age group 18-65 years. All cases had exposure \u2013 handling or culling - of sick poultry, often kept in backyards. Avian influenza A(H5N1) was detected for the first time in Cambodia in December 2003, initially affecting wild birds. Between 2014 and 2022, there were no reports of human infection with A(H5N1) viruses. However, the re-emergence of human infections with A(H5N1) viruses in Cambodia was reported in February 2023. Since this re-emergence, Cambodia has reported 27 cases of laboratory confirmed human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) including 12 fatalities (CFR 44%). The cases have been reported from eight provinces: Kampong Cham (1), Kampong Speu (1), Kampot (3), Kratie (3), Prey Veng (6), Svay Rieng (4), Siem Reap (5), Takeo (4). Figure 1: Epicurve of Avian Influenza A (H5N1) cases reported in Cambodia by year from 2003- 1 July 2025 Figure 2: Geographic distribution of Avian Influenza A (H5N1) cases reported in Cambodia from 1 January \u2013 1 July 2025. Table 1: Details of Avian Influenza A (H5N1) cases reported in Cambodia between 1 January- 1 July 2025", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2025-07-05T05:49:39Z", "last_updated": "2025-07-05T05:49:39Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON573", "title": "Anthrax \u2013 Thailand", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON573", "summary": "Between 1 May and 4 May 2025, the Thailand IHR NFP notified WHO of four confirmed cases of cutaneous anthrax, including one death. The age range of the confirmed cases is 36 years to 58 years, comprising of three males and one female. The cases were identified in Mukdahan Province, located near the border with Lao People's Democratic Republic, separated by the Mekong River. All cases are epidemiologically linked to slaughtering of cows. The first cow was slaughtered on 12 April 2025, during a merit-making event, and its meat was distributed among villagers. A second cow was slaughtered on 28 April 2025. Exposure to meat or contact during the slaughtering process of these animals is believed to be the source of infection for all confirmed cases. The first case, presented with a skin rash on his right hand, which progressed to a clearly visible lesion by 24 April. Initially hospitalized, he was transferred to a referral hospital on 27 April due to worsening clinical symptoms, including a darkening lesion on the hand, swollen right axillary lymph nodes, dizziness, and convulsions. He subsequently died on the same day as a result of disease complications. The other three cases presented with pustular and vesicular lesions and were hospitalized. As of 28 May 2025, the three cases have completed a 10-day course of levofloxacin and doxycycline and have been discharged from hospital. Blood and wound samples from the four cases were collected between 28 April and 1 May and were sent to the Department of Medical Sciences (DMSC) and Bamrasnaradura Institute for laboratory testing. B. anthracis was confirmed by RT-PCR in all four patients. Screening of at-risk individuals was conducted across three villages, identifying two additional suspected cases who presented with diarrhea and fever. However, the samples tested negative for B. anthracis. A total of 636 individuals were identified as at risk and monitored till 10 May 2025. Among them, 28 people were directly involved in the slaughter of cattle, while others consumed raw beef. Public health authorities initiated post-exposure prophylaxis for at-risk individuals by administering doxycycline for a duration of seven days. On 28 May, the Ministry of Public Health announced the fifth confirmed case in Mukdahan province, associated with the slaughtering of cows. The clinical status of the most recent reported fifth case is unknown at the time of reporting. This is the first reported anthrax-related death in Thailand since 1994. According to the Division of Epidemiology, the most recent anthrax cases prior to this event occurred in 2000 (15 cases and no deaths in Phichit and Phitsanulok provinces) and in 2017 (two cases and no deaths in Tak province linked to handling a goat carcass imported from Myanmar).", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2025-05-29T16:34:32Z", "last_updated": "2025-05-29T16:34:32Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON572", "title": "COVID-19 - Global Situation", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON572", "summary": "There has been an increase in SARS-CoV-2 activity globally, based on SARS-CoV-2 data reported to the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) from sentinel surveillance sites. As of 11 May 2025, the test positivity rate is 11% across 73 reporting countries, areas and territories. This level matches the peak observed in July 2024 (12% from 99 countries) and marks a rise from 2% reported by 110 countries back in mid-February 2025 (Figure 1). The increase in test positivity rate is mainly being driven by countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, the South-East Asia Region, and the Western Pacific Region. Countries in the African Region, European Region, and the Region of the Americas are currently reporting low levels of SARS-CoV-2 activity with percent positivity from sentinel or systematic virological surveillance sites ranging from 2% to 3%. However, some areas\u2014particularly in the Caribbean and Andean subregions in the Region of the Americas showed increasing trends of SARS-CoV-2 test positivity as of 11 May. Publicly available wastewater monitoring data from countries in the European Region and the Northern America subregion remain low and, at present, do not indicate any upward trend in SARS-CoV-2 activity as of 11 May 2025. The reporting of COVID-19 associated hospitalizations, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admissions, and deaths is very limited from the countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, the South-East Asia Region, and the Western Pacific Region and does not allow for evaluation of the impact on health systems by WHO. Figure 1. SARS-CoV-2 tested specimens and percent positive reported from sentinel sites to eGISRS from countries, areas and territories from January 2023 to May 2025* *Most recent week\u2019s data may be incomplete. Source: Global Influenza Programme SARS-CoV-2 Variant Evolution and Circulation SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve, and between January and May 2025, there were shifts in global SARS-CoV-2 variant dynamics. At the beginning of the year, the most prevalent variant tracked by WHO at the global level was XEC, followed by KP.3.1.1. In February, circulation of XEC began to decline while that of LP.8.1 increased, with the latter becoming the most detected variant in mid-March. Since mid-April, the circulation of LP.8.1 has been slightly declining as NB.1.8.1 is increasingly being detected. Figure 2. SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Interest and Variants Under Monitoring proportions from January 2025 to May 2025. Source: GISAID and CoV-SPECTRUM The most recently designated variant under monitoring (VUM) is NB.1.8.1, which is a descendent lineage of XDV.1.5.1, in turn a descendent of JN.1, with the earliest sample collected on 22 January 2025. In comparison to the currently dominant SARS-CoV-2 variant, LP.8.1, NB.1.8.1 has the following additional spike mutations: T22N, F59S, G184S, A435S, V445H, and T478I. Spike mutations at position 445 have been shown to enhance binding affinity to hACE2 receptor, which could increase the variant\u2019s transmissibility; mutations at position 435 have been shown to modestly reduce the neutralization potency of class 1 and class 1/4 antibodies; mutations at position 478 have been shown to enhance the evasion of Class 1/2 antibodies.[2] As of 18 May 2025, 518 NB.1.8.1 sequences were submitted to GISAID from 22 countries, representing 10.7% of the globally available sequences in epidemiological week (EW) 17 of 2025 (21 to 27 April 2025). While the percentage remains low, this presents a significant rise from 2.5% four weeks prior in EW14 of 2025 (31 March to 6 April 2025). Between EW14 and EW17 of 2025, increased circulation of NB.1.8.1 was detected in all three WHO regions that are consistently sharing SARS-CoV-2 sequences, i.e. from 8.9% to 11.7% for the Western Pacific region, from 1.6% to 4.9% for the region of the Americas, and from 1.0% to 6.0% for the European region. There are only 5 NB.1.8.1 sequences from the South-East Asia Region, and none from the African Region or the Eastern Mediterranean Region. COVID-19 Vaccination Update From the latest available global data covering the period between 1 January and 30 September 2024, overall COVID-19 vaccine uptake among high-risk groups remains low, with significant disparities across regions and income levels. Among older adults[3], just 1.68% were reported as having received a dose so far in 2024 up to 30 September 2024 across 75 reporting Member States, and among health and care workers, uptake stood at 0.96% across 54 reporting Member States. An estimated 39.2 million individuals, across 90 reporting Member States covering 31% of the global population, had received a dose in 2024 through 30 September 2024, including 14.8 million in the third quarter. Uptake was notably higher in the Region of the Americas and the European Region, with older adult coverage reaching 5.1% in the European Region and 3.6% in the Region of the Americas compared to less than 0.5% in other regions. A similar disparity was observed when comparing countries by income level. High and upper middle-income countries (HIC/UMIC) reported higher vaccine uptake among older adults with 4.3% and 1.2% respectively, compared to less than 0.5% in low-income countries (LIC) and lower middle-income countries (LMIC). Similar patterns were seen among health and care workers, with uptake in the Region of the Americas (2.8%) far exceeding the less than 0.5% seen in other regions. Among income groups, UMICs reported 2.1% coverage, compared to just 0.3% in LICs and 0.1% in LMICs. Complete vaccination data for 2024 is being collected now and will be released in mid-July 2025. Currently approved COVID-19 vaccines continue to provide protection against severe disease and death. To ensure approved vaccines remain effective, the WHO Technical Advisory Group on COVID-19 Vaccine Composition (TAG-CO-VAC) continues to monitor and review the impact of SARS-CoV-2 evolution on the performance of available vaccines. In May 2025, TAG-CO-VAC advised that monovalent vaccines targeting the JN.1 or KP.2 lineages remain appropriate. They also noted that vaccines targeting the LP.8.1 lineage can be considered as a suitable alternative. Vaccination should not be delayed. However, in anticipation of access to latest variant-containing vaccines, there is a greater benefit in ensuring that persons at high risk of developing severe COVID-19 receive a dose of any available vaccine as compared to delaying vaccination. Overview of selected WHO regions Eastern Mediterranean Region In the Eastern Mediterranean Region, sentinel surveillance data have been reported from 12 countries via test positivity rates from sentinel sites in 2025. The test positivity rate increased from 4% in EW13 to 17% in EW17 and then declined to 15% in EW19. Following lower circulation in the first ten weeks of 2025, a sharp upward trend surpassed the levels of last year (11% in EW17 2024). Across the region, recent reports of increases in circulation have been observed in five countries to date, including Egypt, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Pakistan. Figure 3. SARS-CoV-2 tested specimens reported from sentinel sites to eGISRS from countries, areas and territories in the Eastern Mediterranean Region for 2024 and 2025* *Most recent week\u2019s data may be incomplete. Source: Global Influenza Programme South-East Asia Region In the South-East Asia Region, sentinel surveillance data have been reported by eight countries in 2025. Since the beginning of April, the test positivity rate increased from 0.5% in EW15 to 5% in EW19. Although at a lower level, a similar upward trend was observed during the same period in 2024, with rates rising from 4% in EW15 to 6% in EW19, and further to 10% by EW24. The recent increases are observed in the Maldives and Thailand. As per published national reports, a rise in COVID-19 case detections was observed in India [4] in EW20 and Thailand [5] between EW16 to EW20. Figure 4. SARS-CoV-2 tested specimens reported from sentinel sites to eGISRS from countries, areas and territories in the South-East Asia Region for 2024 and 2025* *Most recent week\u2019s data may be incomplete. Source: Global Influenza Programme Western Pacific Region In the Western Pacific Region, sentinel surveillance data have been reported by ten countries and areas via test positivity rates from sentinel sites in 2025. In the past month, the test positivity rate increased from 5% in EW14 to 11% in EW19. Following lower circulation in the first ten weeks of the year, a sharp upwards trend reached similar levels as last year (10% in EW18 2024). The recent increases have been observed in four countries and areas to date: Cambodia, China, Hong Kong SAR and Singapore. Figure 5. SARS-CoV-2 tested specimens reported from sentinel sites to eGISRS from countries, areas and territories in the Western Pacific Region for 2024 and 2025* *Most recent week\u2019s data may be incomplete. Source: Global Influenza Programme", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2025-05-28T10:36:17Z", "last_updated": "2025-05-28T10:36:17Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON571", "title": "Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) - Papua New Guinea", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON571", "summary": "On 9 May 2025, the IHR NFP for Papua New Guinea (PNG) notified WHO of the detection of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) from stool specimens of two healthy children from Lae city, Morobe province, Papua New Guinea (PNG). Stool samples from 25 healthy children were collected on 10 April 2025 as part of an in-depth epidemiological investigation in the catchment area of the Environmental Surveillance (ES) site, which reported cVDPV2 on 4 April 2025. On 8 May, the WHO Polio Regional Reference Laboratory in Australia, the Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (VIDRL) confirmed that two of these children tested positive for poliovirus type 2. The children who tested positive for the poliovirus are from two separate villages within the ES catchment area in Lae city and were asymptomatic at the time of sample collection. All isolates were classified as cVDPV2 and were genetically linked to the environmental sample detected on 4 April 2025. Genetic sequencing revealed 18-19 nucleotide differences from the Sabin 2 vaccine strain. All isolates are closely related to each other and genetically linked to the INO-PAP-2 emergence that previously caused an outbreak in Indonesia. The detection of circulating type 2 poliovirus is classified as a \u201cpolio outbreak\u201d, in accordance with the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) Standard Operating Procedures for responding to a poliovirus Event or Outbreak. In Papua New Guinea, vaccination coverage is low, which may facilitate the spread of cVDPV2. As of 2024, national vaccination coverage for the third dose of oral polio vaccine (OPV3) was 44%. In Morobe province, where the virus is currently detected, coverage with bivalent OPV (bOPV) remained below 40% over the past five years, ranging from 28-37%. Coverage for the first dose of inactivated polio vaccine (IPV1) has remained between 52-54%. However, Lae city has higher coverage, with 73% for bOPV and 90% for IPV1.", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2025-05-20T13:42:18Z", "last_updated": "2025-05-20T13:42:18Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON570", "title": "Yellow fever - Region of the Americas", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON570", "summary": "Between 29 December 2024 and 26 April 2025 (with data for Ecuador as of 2 May 2025), a total of 212 confirmed human cases of yellow fever, including 85 deaths (CFR 40%), have been reported to WHO by five countries in the Region of the Americas. The cases were reported from the following countries: Plurinational State of Bolivia (three cases, including one death (CFR 33%)); Brazil (110 cases, including 44 deaths (CFR 40%)); Colombia (60 cases, including 24 deaths (CFR 40%)); Ecuador (four fatal cases (CFR 100%)) and Peru (35 cases, 12 deaths (CFR 34%)) (Figure 1). In 2024, human cases of yellow fever were reported mainly across the Amazon region of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Guyana, and Peru. In 2025, however, cases have been detected mainly in areas outside the Amazon region, including in the state of S\u00e3o Paulo, Brazil and the Tolima department, Colombia. The 212 confirmed yellow fever cases reported so far in 2025 in the Americas represent a threefold increase compared to the 61 confirmed cases reported in 2024. Figure 1. Confirmed human cases of yellow fever by country and epidemiological week of onset of symptoms in the Region of the Americas, as of 26 April 2025 * (n= 212) Note: *Data on the number of confirmed cases of yellow fever in Ecuador are current as of 2 May 2025. Source: Adapted from data provided by countries or published by national Ministries of Health. Figure 2: Geographical distribution of confirmed human cases of yellow fever by year, Region of the Americas, 2023-2025, as of 26 April 2025 Source: Adapted from data provided by countries or published by national Ministries of Health. Overview by countries Bolivia (Plurinational State of) Since the beginning of 2025, Bolivia has reported three confirmed human cases of yellow fever, including one fatal case (CFR 33%), as of 26 April 2025. The cases were reported in the departments of Beni (one case), La Paz (one fatal case), and Tarija (one case). The fatal case had no history of yellow fever vaccination, whereas the other two cases reported having been vaccinated. All three cases were confirmed by Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) testing and had a history of entering forested areas. Additionally, an epizootic event (death of non-human primates) was confirmed in the municipality of San Buenaventura in the department of La Paz. Brazil Since the beginning of 2025, Brazil reported 110 confirmed human cases of yellow fever, including 44 fatal cases (CFR 40%), as of 26 April 2025. Cases were reported in the states of Minas Gerais (10 cases, including five deaths), Par\u00e1 (44 cases, including seven deaths), S\u00e3o Paulo (55 cases, including 31 deaths), and Tocantins (one fatal case). The majority of cases (95 cases; 89.6 %) were male, with ages ranging from 10 to 75 years. Symptom onset occurred between 2 January and 2 April 2025. Only one case had a documented history of yellow fever vaccination. All cases reported exposure to wild and/or forested areas, either through occupational or recreational activities. Colombia Since the beginning of the yellow fever outbreak in early 2024 through 26 April 2025, a total of 83 confirmed yellow fever cases, including 37 deaths, have been reported in Colombia. In 2025, a total of 60 confirmed cases of yellow fever were reported, including 24 deaths, as of 26 April 2025. The cases were residents of the following departments: Caldas (one fatal case), Cauca (one fatal case), Guaviare (one fatal case), Meta (two fatal cases), Putumayo (three cases, including one death), and Tolima (52 cases, including 18 deaths). The cases ranged in age from 2 to 83 years, with onset of symptoms between 6 January and 18 April 2025. All cases had a history of exposure to areas classified as at risk for yellow fever, defined by the country. Only two of the confirmed cases had a documented history of yellow fever vaccination. As of 29 April 2025, 29 yellow fever epizootics in non-human primates have been reported, including 27 in the department of Tolima and two in the department of Huila. Ecuador Since the beginning of 2025 and as of 2 May, four confirmed fatal cases of yellow fever have been reported, from the provinces of Morona Santiago (one fatal case) and Zamora Chinchipe (three fatal cases). The cases ranged in age from 25 to 55 years, with onset of symptoms between 16 March and 2 May 2025. All four cases had a history of exposure in wild and/or forested areas, due to occupational activities, and were confirmed by RT-PCR. Peru Since the beginning of 2025, 35 confirmed cases of yellow fever, including 12 deaths, were reported in the Departments of Amazonas (22 cases, including seven deaths), Hu\u00e1nuco (one fatal case), Jun\u00edn (three cases), Loreto (two cases, including one death) and San Martin (seven cases, including three deaths), as of 26 April 2025. Of the confirmed cases, 31 (88.6%) were male, with ages ranging from 6 to 57 years, and date of onset of symptoms between 15 January and 12 April 2025. All cases had a history of exposure in wild and/or forested areas, due to agricultural work activities, and 71.8% of the cases had no history of vaccination against yellow fever.", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2025-05-16T13:03:06Z", "last_updated": "2025-05-16T13:03:06Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON568", "title": "Measles - Morocco", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON568", "summary": "Since late 2023, Morocco has been experiencing a widespread measles outbreak. The first cases were reported in limited provinces of the Souss Massa region in central Morocco, before spreading to additional provinces within the region during the first quarter of 2024, and subsequently to other regions of the country. From 1 October 2023 through 13 April 2025, more than 25 000 suspected measles cases were reported from all 12 regions, 13 706 of which were laboratory-confirmed cases and 184 people died. During the week ending 27 April 2025, Morocco reported 995 suspected measles cases, representing an incidence rate of 2.7 per 100,000 population. While a national peak incidence was recorded in week 4 of 2025 (week ending 25 January), a declining trend in case numbers has been observed for ten consecutive weeks, starting from week 5 of 2025. The distribution of cases by gender has been nearly equal, with 50.7% of cases among males and 49.3% among females. From 1 January 2024 to 28 February 2025, 68% of cases occurred among individuals under the age of 18, and 49% of all cases were reported in unvaccinated individuals. Genomic characterization of measles virus specimens collected during the 2024\u20132025 outbreak revealed exclusive circulation of genotype B3, which is common in many parts of Africa and has been associated with outbreaks globally. One isolated case was associated with genotype D8 and likely indicates a sporadic importation, with no evidence of sustained local transmission. The measles vaccine was introduced into Morocco\u2019s national immunization schedule in 1987 as a single dose, and a second dose was added in 2014. It is administered in two doses: the first at 9 months of age, and the second between 15 and 18 months. According to WHO/UNICEF Estimates of National Immunization Coverage (WUENIC), Morocco has reported coverage with two doses of measles-containing vaccine (MCV2) above the 95% threshold required to achieve the elimination goal. However, this threshold was not achieved in the last three years.", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2025-05-13T13:55:16Z", "last_updated": "2025-05-13T13:55:16Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON569", "title": "Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON569", "summary": "Between 1 March and 21 April 2025, the Ministry of Health (MoH) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) reported nine cases of MERS-CoV infection. The cases were reported from the Hail (1) and Riyadh (8) regions of Saudi Arabia (Figure 1). Of the reported cases, five were male and four were female. Among these cases, a cluster of seven was identified in Riyadh, including six health and care workers who acquired a nosocomial infection from one single infected patient they had cared for. Of the six health and care workers, four remained asymptomatic, while two developed mild, nonspecific symptoms including myalgia, fatigue, nausea and vomiting (Table 1). Laboratory confirmation of the cases was performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) between 1 March 2025 and 16 April 2025. Of the cases, only one had indirect contact with camels and is not a part of the reported cluster. The rest of the patients had no known history of contact with camels or camel products. Since the first report of MERS-CoV in KSA in 2012, a total 2627 laboratory-confirmed cases of MERS-CoV infection, with 946 associated deaths (Case Fatality Rate or CFR of 36%), have been reported to WHO from 27 countries, across all six WHO regions. The majority of cases (2218; 84%), have been reported from KSA, including these newly reported cases (Figure 2). Since 2019, no human MERS-CoV infections have been reported from countries outside the Middle East. Figure 1. Geographical distribution of MERS-CoV infections between 1 March and 21 April 2025 by city and region, KSA (n=9).Table 1: MERS-CoV cases reported by KSA between 1 March and 21 April 2025 Figure 2: Epidemic curve of MERS-CoV infections (n=2218) and deaths (n=865) reported in KSA between 2012-2025*", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2025-05-12T17:56:18Z", "last_updated": "2025-05-12T17:56:18Z" }, { "id": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON567", "title": "Chikungunya - La R\u00e9union and Mayotte", "source": "World Health Organization", "source_url": "https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON567", "summary": "La R\u00e9union, France In August 2024, the regional health authority (Agence r\u00e9gionale de sant\u00e9, ARS) of La R\u00e9union, France, reported three locally transmitted chikungunya cases. Cumulatively, from the start of the outbreak in August 2024 through 4 May 2025, over 47 500 confirmed cases of chikungunya and more than 170 000 consultations for suspected chikungunya have been reported on the island. The surge in cases was observed from early 2025 with weekly case counts increasing from 30 at the end of 2024 to 4000 during the week of 10-16 March 2025 (epidemiological week 11), indicating more than a 100-fold increase. The overall clinical presentation of the illness was generally mild; however, from 1 January to 4 May, 340 hospitalizations have been reported. Almost half (43%) of hospitalized patients were adults over 65 years old and approximately 25% were children under six months old. Over 95% of hospitalized patients had at least one risk factor for severe disease including comorbidity, age-group (over 65 years and infants) or pregnancy. Additionally, 74 pregnant women and 48 infants under six months were hospitalized for short-term monitoring (2-3 days). To date, 66 severe cases (defined as those with at least one organ failure) have been reported. These included 36 adults over 65 years of age with comorbidities, 7 people under 65 years of age with comorbidities and 23 infants under 3 months of age. Over the course of the outbreak, 12 deaths that occurred between 9 March and 27 April (Epi weeks 11-17) in people over 70 years of age with comorbidities were classified as linked to chikungunya, and additional twenty-eight deaths are currently under investigation for chikungunya, including one neonatal death. The cumulative number of cases continues to increase, with the southern municipalities being the most affected by the virus, particularly Le Tampon. To date, all the municipalities have reported cases. The previous large outbreak in La Reunion occurred in 2005-2006 with estimated total cases ranging between from 244 000 to over 300 000. In March 2025, imported cases as a result of travelers who had visited La R\u00e9union were reported in Mayotte (2), Wallis and Futuna (1) and Martinique (1). Figure 1: Epidemiological curve of the number of confirmed chikungunya cases in La Reunion between 1 January and 27 April 2025 by week of symptom onset Mayotte, France As of 4 May 2025, a total of 116 chikungunya cases have been reported by ARS Mayotte, France, including 29 imported cases, 57 locally acquired cases, and 30 cases under investigation. The first imported case was identified on 5 March in the Northeast of the Island, followed by further cases reported across multiple communes. This marks the first locally transmitted chikungunya cases since the 2005\u20132006 outbreak, which had resulted in approximately 7300 cases. One hospitalization has been reported, with no deaths to date.", "summary_is_html": false, "first_seen": "2025-05-12T16:26:39Z", "last_updated": "2025-05-12T16:26:39Z" } ]