{"EventsList":{"all":[{"event_id":"1807","title":"Human - Meningitis - Ghana - Feb 23, 2026","description":null,"create_date":"24-Feb-2026","action_date":"11-Mar-2026","outcome":"UP","phe_description":"BEACON recently reported, using official data from Ghana's national health authorities (GHS), that there have been 11 fatal cases of meningitis documented in the Country this year up to epi-week 7/2026. GHS attributes these deaths to factors such as patients arriving late at health facilities and coinfection with  other diseases, including malaria. Plans are in place to enhance community surveillance, increase public education, and expand access to 24/7 health services. An RFI has been sent to EpiCore members in the region to help gather more information about these cases, especially regarding diagnostic details, including pathogen identification.\n\nThe EpiCore network reports that most meningitis cases in northern Ghana occur from January to April during the dry harmattan season, which increases bacterial susceptibility. In terms of agents, historically, Neisseria meningitidis (serogroups W135, A, Y, X) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (serotype 1) have been mainly involved. After the 2012 MenAfriVac campaign, N. meningitidis serogroup A declined significantly, with outbreaks now mainly involving other serogroups and S. pneumoniae.\n\nRegarding the current situation, the network has informed that GHS provides online epidemiological updates about several infectious diseases including meningitis (latest report available: EpiWeek 6/2026, cf. sources). According to WHO AFRO, that provides the most recent online meningitis update for the Region, in Ghana so far this this year 16 cases have been lab-confirmed, all due to S. pneumoniae. This is not unexpected as lab data over the past five years show increasing dominance of S. pneumoniae (from 56% in 2021 to up to 93% in 2025). Serotype 1 remains the main cause in 2026.\n\nAccording to the feedback received, there has been a notable reduction in the number of suspected cases this year compared to the same period in 2025. However, the case fatality rate appears elevated. Fatalities have occurred in Upper West, which remains the epicenter with five deaths, as well as in the Northern, Savannah, and Northeast regions. All documented fatal cases have been attributed to S. pneumoniae, likely serotype 1 (although serotype information for this year is currently unavailable).\n\nThis RFI has been supported with updated laboratory and epidemiological data regarding the current meningitis situation in Ghana extracted from reliable sources of information. This summary may be revised as additional pertinent feedback is provided by the network. \n\nOFFICIAL SOURCES \n- https://ghs.gov.gh/gwer\n- https://ghs.gov.gh/news-and-events/navrongo-health-research-centre--kintampo-health-research-centre-tasked-to-lead-the-fight-against-seasonal-meningitis-dr-samuel-kaba-akoriyea-dg-ghs \n- https://www.ghanahospitals.org/news/details.php?id=4239#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20Ghana%20Health,hard%20to%20control%20the%20outbreak. \n- https://app.powerbi.com/view?r=eyJrIjoiMzExZTUzZDAtMmQ5Ni00YjkxLWFmZmItODljOWZhOTMyM2Y3IiwidCI6ImY2MTBjMGI3LWJkMjQtNGIzOS04MTBiLTNkYzI4MGFmYjU5MCIsImMiOjh9 \n\nOTHER SOURCES (QUOTING HEALTH AUTHORITIES) AND PUBLICATIONS\n- https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/ghana-news-upper-west-records-15-suspected-meningitis-cases-2-deaths.html \n- https://allafrica.com/stories/202601160082.html \n- https://3news.com/health/ghana-health-service-confirms-11-deaths-due-to-cerebrospinal-meningitis\n- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12326803/ ","phe_additional":"More details about this event are provided online by BEACON at:\n https://beaconbio.org/en/report/?reportid=200233ef-6892-4be9-ad20-fdaf2662f911&eventid=5289c942-5f43-4fa3-b235-9864286ace14&additionalCriteria=76c8b5f5-2756-4450-8a76-9bf3e0958475 ","source":"OR","source_details":"https://3news.com/health/ghana-health-service-confirms-11-deaths-due-to-cerebrospinal-meningitis","iso_action_date":"2026-03-11 14:50:10","event_id_int":1807,"country":"Ghana"},{"event_id":"1806","title":"Human - Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII outbreak - USA (Minnesota)","description":null,"create_date":"24-Feb-2026","action_date":"11-Mar-2026","outcome":"UP","phe_description":"BEACON has recently published a post informing about more than 30 cases of Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII (TMVII) reported in the Minneapolis–St. Paul metropolitan area since July 2025. Based on official data, Minnesota is accounting for most documented recent infections in the US and cases are primarily affecting men who have sex with men (MSM). The Minnesota Department of Health issued a health advisory on 11 Feb 2026, directing healthcare providers to collect skin scrapings for fungal culture when TMVII is suspected and to report all suspected cases. An RFI has been sent to EpiCore members to support the collection of reliable additional information about the mode(s) of transmission in addition to any other relevant aspects that may support the assessment of the current risk.  \n\nThe EpiCore network has informed that this is currently the largest documented TMVII cluster in the U.S and is considered part of a global rise of these infections. While Minnesota currently accounts for most reported domestic infections, the lack of national reporting requirements suggests the true scale of the outbreak is underestimated, particularly as local transmission has recently been confirmed in cities like San Francisco among patients without international travel history.\n\nBased on the feedback provided by the network, public health investigations by the CDC and the Minnesota Department of Health revealed community spread within sexual and social networks and indicate that while the fungus is highly resilient and can spread via contaminated linens, transmission in this cluster is primarily driven by prolonged skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. Misdiagnosis may have delayed proper treatment and contributed to increased transmission rates\n\nThis RFI has allowed the collection of details regarding the current outbreak provided from credible sources. This summary may be revised as new feedback or insights become available from the network.\n\nSOURCES:\nhttps://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/minnesota-tmvii-outbreak-sexually-transmitted-fungal-skin-infection-ringworm-std/#:~:text=TMVII%2C%20or%20trichophyton%20mentagrophytes%20genotype,it's%20treatable%20with%20oral%20antifungals.\n\nhttps://www.healio.com/news/infectious-disease/20260216/outbreak-of-sexually-transmitted-fungus-found-in-minnesota#:~:text=The%20CDC%20notes%20that%20TMVII,the%20Minnesota%20Department%20of%20Health\n\nhttps://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/article-abstract/2819235\n\nhttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12483111/#:~:text=TMVII%20infections%20might%20be%20confused,and%20continued%20spread%20(2)\n\nhttps://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/pathogen-pulse-tmvii-outbreak-travel-associated-dengue-cases-more#:~:text=environmental%20transmission%20concerns.-,Pathogen%20Pulse,the%20Twin%20Cities%20metropolitan%20area\n\nhttps://earthtimes.org/unusual-outbreak-in-minnesota-health-officials-warn-of-sexually-transmitted-ringworm-surge/#:~:text=Although%20ringworm%20(or%20%E2%80%9Ctinea%E2%80%9D,it%20from%20more%20familiar%20forms\n\nhttps://nccid.ca/debrief/trichophyton-mentagrophytes-genotype-vii-tmvii/#:~:text=)%2D%20Cleveland%20Clinic-,Transmission,exposure%20a%20potential%20risk%20factor\n\nhttps://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/sti-ringworm-minnesota-tmvii-b2919979.html#:~:text=The%20ringworm%20%2D%20known%20as%20trichophyton,larger%20cities%20across%20the%20U.S.\n\nhttps://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/hhsa/programs/phs/cahan/communications_documents/2-3-2026.pdf\nhttps://media.api.sf.gov/documents/Health_Update_-_Trichophyton_mentagrophytes_genotype_VII_TMVII_2026.01.20.pdf\nhttps://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/tmvii/basics.html#:~:text=Clothing%2C%20towels%2C%20bedding%2C%20and,clinic%20for%20evaluation%20and%20treatment.","phe_additional":"This RFI is based on  a BEACON post published on Feb 15, 2026 (https://beaconbio.org/en/report/?reportid=b619891a-ec0c-4173-9e34-2f53155958c4&eventid=a4bf9b08-ffb0-4182-8292-01ca90d0d728&pathogens=363c365e-880e-4cf3-91ef-2e50d39fed79)","source":"OR","source_details":"https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/ep/han/2026/feb11tmvii.pdf","iso_action_date":"2026-03-11 14:49:46","event_id_int":1806,"country":"United States"},{"event_id":"1805","title":"Human - Suspected bacterial meningitis - Democratic Republic of Congo (Kongo Central) - Feb 21, 2026","description":null,"create_date":"21-Feb-2026","action_date":"23-Feb-2026","outcome":"VP","phe_description":"Last week, local media reported several cases of severe headache, loss of consciousness, and rapid death due to an unknown disease in Mangembo health zone, Bas-Congo province (DRC). Based on the limited information available, the condition seems to have primarily affected children from the same school, causing at least five sudden deaths in Madimba village, with unconfirmed reports of similar cases in nearby villages. Due to the rapid progression, the severity, and the involvement of children, an RFI was sent to EpiCore members in the area to gather in real time more details from reliable sources. \n\nThe EpiCore network has confirmed the occurrence of this event and shared more details from other media sources, which directly cited local health authorities. Based on the feedback collected, a Rapid Response Team was promptly established to address this event however, the investigation has experienced notable delays due to challenges in accessing the remote affected area. \nThe event has now been officially classified as a \"suspected bacterial meningitis outbreak\", based on epidemiological data and clinical profiles of the patients. Final confirmation is pending, as samples from patients have been sent to Kinshasa for laboratory analysis at the National Institute for Biomedical Research (INRB); results are expected in the coming days.\n\nThe network informed that as of Feb 22, there are 15 cases potentially linked to the outbreak, including 8 deaths (CFR potentially over 50%). Cases involve students (9) and farmers (6), mainly aged 12-24. Nlundu is most affected village with 6 cases and 4 deaths, followed by Nkikanga Madimba and Yambi. A treatment center has been opened in Bienga with 7 patients currently admitted (no new deaths in the past 48 hours).  Health authorities have intensified active case finding in surrounding schools and villages, and mobilized local coordination structures. Reports indicate that community tensions have led to violence and property damage driven by misinformation and traditional beliefs: increased awareness is essential to mitigate violence and reduce stigma.\n\nThe RFI has been supported by relevant documentation about this event based on media reports quoting local health authorities directly quoting local health authorities. This summary will be updated if lab results are provided by the network soon.\n\nMEDIA SOURCES QUOTING LOCAL AUTHORITIES (examples):\n- https://www.forumdesas.cd/luozi-une-epidemie-de-meninge-bacterienne-serait-la-base-du-deces-de-4-eleves  (Feb 17, 2026)\n- https://www.forumdesas.cd/luozi-la-maladie-inconnue-fait-deja-8-deces-pour-15-cas-suspects  (Feb 20, 2026)\n\n","phe_additional":"This RFI was created based on a ProMED report published online on Feb 20, 2026 - Cf. https://www.promedmail.org - Alert ID: 8730993\nUNDIAGNOSED DEATHS - DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: (BAS-CONGO) REQUEST FOR INFORMATION","source":"MR","source_details":"https://www.radiookapi.net/2026/02/19/actualite/sante/une-maladie-inconnue-tue-cinq-personnes-luozi\n","iso_action_date":"2026-02-23 11:39:36","event_id_int":1805,"country":"Congo, The Democratic Republic of The"},{"event_id":"1804","title":"Human - Acute liver failure  -  India (Haryana) ","description":null,"create_date":"19-Feb-2026","action_date":"23-Feb-2026","outcome":"UP","phe_description":"On 16 Feb 2026, BEACON reported 12 deaths from an unknown disease, including hepatitis, in Palwal, Haryana, India. Seven deaths and multiple acute liver failure cases were reported in Chhanysa village, Palwal district, Haryana, with all cases characterized by rapid decline in vital parameters and multi-organ failure.\nScreening of approximately 1800 residents identified 37 cases of hepatitis C, ten cases of hepatitis B, and one case of HIV; blood samples tested negative for hepatitis A and E viruses.\nWater quality testing revealed bacterial contamination in 23 of 107 household samples, with coliform bacteria detected in underground storage tanks; villagers rely on mixed water sources, including tankers, RO (water purifiers) suppliers, and storage in \"kundis\" (underground rainwater harvesting tanks), requiring regular purification.\nAffected individuals include a 14-year-old who died on 29 Jan 2026 from jaundice with hepatic encephalopathy and liver failure, and a 22-year-old who died on 11 Feb 2026 and tested positive for hepatitis B.\nCentral expert team recommended door-to-door surveys with testing for hepatitis A, hepatitis E, leptospirosis, and scrub typhus, plus chemical analysis and heavy metal testing of drinking water\nHealth department established a round-the-clock camp, distributed over 15 000 chlorine tablets, administered 118 hepatitis vaccinations, and conducted fogging operations; no new deaths or hospital admissions reported after 11 Feb 2026.\n\nThe full BEACON report can be found here: https://beaconbio.org/en/report/?reportid=a46c439c-baa9-4117-9e1b-139724fac404&eventid=3862b20b-f895-4eba-9d26-e862f7e848d2&page=2\n\nOnline sources:\n1. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/gurugram-news/panic-in-palwal-village-as-deaths-linked-to-liver-illness-trigger-emergency-101771293165373.html\n2. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/from-haryanas-palwal-to-kolkata-gandhinagar-indore-water-borne-epidemics-claim-lives-affect-hundreds-101771312600209.html\n3. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/haryana/central-experts-visit-haryanas-palwal-following-mysterious-deaths-and-illness/article70644117.ece\n\n","phe_additional":"The RFI was created based on an BEACON RFI posted on February 16th, 2026: https://beaconbio.org/en/report/?reportid=38af1a10-4c70-433c-acf2-f4562927bb00&eventid=3862b20b-f895-4eba-9d26-e862f7e848d2&additionalCriteria=76c8b5f5-2756-4450-8a76-9bf3e0958475","source":"MR","source_details":"1. https://www.thedailyjagran.com/india/haryana-12-dead-including-5-children-in-palwal-amid-suspected-water-contamination-10298993\n2. https://thelogicalindian.com/12-deaths-in-15-days-haryana-village-faces-probe-over-water-contamination-hepatitis-b-fears/\n3. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/7-die-of-jaundice-in-palwal-village-haryana-health-dept-launches-outbreak-probe/articleshow/128394556.cms","iso_action_date":"2026-02-23 14:12:44","event_id_int":1804,"country":"India"},{"event_id":"1803","title":"Human - Measles (Risk Assessment) - Americas Region - Feb 10, 2026","description":null,"create_date":"10-Feb-2026","action_date":"19-Feb-2026","outcome":"UP","phe_description":"In early February 2026, PAHO issued an Epidemiological Alert following the confirmation of over 1,000 measles cases across the Region of the Americas within the first few weeks of the year. This marks a stark escalation compared to the 23 cases reported during the same period in 2025. According to official data, the majority of current cases are concentrated in Canada, Mexico, and the United States—the host nations for 2026 FIFA. To support risk assessment efforts, an RFI was dispatched to EpiCore members across the Region to gather reliable updates and technical insights on local measles dynamics.\n\nThe network has reminded that, in anticipation of the event, PAHO has urged Member States to heighten surveillance sensitivity to ensure the rapid detection of measles (and rubella). The following country-specific feedback regarding these efforts has been provided.\n\nCANADA\nThe EpiCore network informed that the Country lost its measles-free status in late 2025 due to a major (ongoing) outbreak, mostly among unvaccinated children. The outbreak began in October 2024 and continues into 2026, with nearly 5,500 cases reported in 2025 and 192 as of February 7, 2026. While the outbreak is \"national\", the impact varies by province and active transmission is currently limited to Manitoba, Alberta, Quebec, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan. Health authorities attribute the resurgence of cases to low vaccination rates (the national coverage for the two-dose MMR vaccine dropped to 82.5%) initially sparked by imported travel cases\n\nRegarding the risk in relation to the upcoming FIFA 2026 World Cup, the network reminded that matches will be held only in Toronto (Ontario) and Vancouver (B.C.). In Ontario, the measles outbreak was declared over in late 2025 however, sporadic new cases linked to other provinces are expected. While Toronto maintains relatively high vaccination rates, an outbreak there would have a major impact, prompting enhanced surveillance. In British Columbia, 15 cases have been recorded in 2026—several of which are travel-related—with the most recent case reported in late January. Authorities remain vigilant due to past outbreaks after major events (e.g. 2010 Winter Olympics). \n\nMEXICO\nThe EpiCore network notes that according to official data, the measles outbreak in Mexico has reached more than 26,000 probable cases and nearly 10,000 confirmed cases in 2025–26, resulting in 31 deaths. According to the latest 2026 update, more than 11,000 probable cases and 3,751 confirmed cases, including four deaths, have been recorded to date. The highest incidence rate is among children under one year old (50.41 cases per 100,000 inhabitants), followed by the 1–4 (15.48) and 5–9 (10.28) age groups.\nBased on the feedback provided, the current outbreak began in February 2025 and has rapidly become one of the most significant in recent decades. Consequently, Mexico is at high risk of losing its official measles-free status (PAHO evaluation planned for April 2026). The network reminded that while 2025 cases were localized mainly in the northern state of Chihuahua, the 2026 data show that the highest incidence rates have shifted to the central states including Jalisco, which is one of the three states hosting FIFA 2026 FIFA.\nSpecialists warn that low vaccination coverage and incomplete immunization schedules have fueled the spread and authorities have reiterated the urgent call for the public to complete their vaccination schedules, with a focus on minors.\n\nIn preparation for FIFA 2026, the network suggests all attendees to ensure their vaccination status is complete, noting that there is still sufficient time for fans to act and avoid contributing to local transmission chains. The network informs that an intensive vaccination campaign is planned nationwide prior to the tournament's start.  Immunisation target activities will prioritize the federal entities of the three host cities: a) CDMX (Mexico City, limited cases but high transmission risk due to extreme population density, with media reporting that local authorities may require visitors to prove their vaccination status);  b)Jalisco State (Guadalajara, current epicenter of the outbreak); and c) Nuevo León (Monterrey, currently managing imported cases through enhanced control activities).\n\nUNITED STATES of AMERICA \nThe EpiCore informed that the US is currently experiencing its most significant measles resurgence in over 30 years. with a major spike in 2025 and a further spread of cases across several states in early 2026, with infants under 5 years old counting for 25% of all cases.  US CDC has confirmed this year already 910 cases (including 6 international visitors) by 24 jurisdictions while during the whole 2025 a total of 2,276 cases (25 visitors) were reported by 45 jurisdictions. The country has maintained its \"measles-eliminated\" status since 2000 however PAHO has scheduled a new country evaluation in April 2026.\n \nSouth Carolina is currently managing the largest outbreak with more than 60% of cases among children aged 5–17. The situation is worsening with several outbreaks reported in other States linked to travel to and from this state.  Currently the most affected areas include both States not hosting FIFA 2026 (e.g. Utah and Arizona, same transmission chain) and others actively involved in the event, as Florida, California and Texas. \nFlorida (Miami hosting city with a high international travel volume) currently ranks among the top five states for confirmed cases with transmission that has recently shifted from sporadic travel cases to localized clusters mainly at university/campus level.  California (Los Angeles and San Francisco hosting) is experiencing emerging localized outbreaks with cases reported across five counties despite high baseline vaccination rates. The state is seeing its highest activity since 2019 with cases involving unvaccinated individuals (or people with unknown vaccination status). Several local alerts have been recently issued due to contagious individuals visiting specific popular public places.  In Texas (Dallas and Houston hosting) this year only sporadic cases have been reported (mainly imported): authorities were able so far to contain transmission through control measures including aggressive monitoring, contact with hospital partners, fast reporting and fast turnaround on testing. \nNew York (NY hosting city), Washington (Seattle) and Pennsylvania (Philadelphia) are currently experiencing limited outbreaks and local authorities have increased their control activities. Finally, no or very limited cases have been so far reported this year in Massachusetts (Boston hosting city), Georgia (Atlanta) and Missouri (Kansas City).\n\nBRAZIL\nBased on the network feedback, after being declared measles-free in 2024, Brazil is facing this year a renewed risk of reintroduction driven by the ongoing outbreaks in North America and in some neighbouring countries.  \nIn 2025, Brazil confirmed 38 cases across the Federal District and six states. Most of these cases (25) have occurred in Tocantins and were linked to imported cases from Bolivia within a community where vaccination coverage was extremely low due to religious reasons.\nThis year, as of late February 2026, Brazil has not recorded any new infections however, in response to the recent PAHO Epidemiological Alert, the health authorities are boosting surveillance in transit and border areas, advising travellers to get two MMR doses and vaccinating infants aged 6–11 months in regions with suspected transmission\nPreventive activities have been underway since 2025 in states at high risk of reintroduction. The network informed that Acre, for instance, identified an imminent threat already in mid-2025 due to the significant surge of cases in Bolivia that declared in July 2025 a public health emergency. Following this alert, Acre health authorities  have immediately established vaccination points in border municipalities and enhanced surveillance at strategic transit locations.\n\nThe RFI has been supported by relevant contributions and technical comments in relation to the measles situation in the three FIFA hosting countries (Canada, Mexico, US) and Brazil.  This summary may be updated in case of further contributions received from the network from other countries in the Region. \n\nMAIN SOURCES PROVIDED (CANADA)\nhttps://www.paho.org/en/news/10-11-2025-paho-calls-regional-action-americas-lose-measles-elimination-status\nhttps://health-infobase.canada.ca/measles-rubella/\nhttps://www.bmj.com/content/391/bmj.r2376#:~:text=Canada%20has%20reported%20more%20than,in%20more%20than%20three%20decades.\nhttps://health-infobase.canada.ca/measles-rubella/archive/2025/\nhttps://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/diseases/measles.html#:~:text=The%20number%20of%20measles%20cases,been%20exposed%20in%20their%20communities.\nhttps://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/manitoba-measles-exposures-9.7083768\nhttps://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/measles-unvaccinated-public-health-advice-9.7080188\nhttps://www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/Documents/E/26/report-hira-infectious-diseases-fifa-world-cup-2026.pdf\nhttps://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.252094 https://www.cmaj.ca/content/198/2/E51\n\nMAIN SOURCES PROVIDED (MEXICO)\nhttps://www.gob.mx/salud/documentos/informe-diario-del-brote-de-sarampion-en-mexico-2026 \nhttps://www.gob.mx/cms/uploads/attachment/file/1058115/Informe_diario_18_02_2026___1_.pdf \nhttps://www.nl.gob.mx/es/boletines/aplican-mas-de-9-mil-dosis-en-macrobrigada-contra-el-sarampion \nhttps://www.facebook.com/SecretariaSaludNL/posts/pfbid0e9TDSSmV76y6dnTazLLZP2dW4J4snYfJUtUNBkV4eRucgX8QbtVhMNgGwD2Gr1G1l \n \nMAIN SOURCES PROVIDED (US)\nhttps://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/index.html\nhttps://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/\nhttps://data.chhs.ca.gov/dataset/?tags=measles\nhttps://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/measles.aspx\nhttps://shastascout.org/state-officials-announce-measles-outbreak-in-shasta-county-with-eight-cases-now-confirmed/\nhttps://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/CAHAN/Increase-of-Measles-in-California.aspx#:~:text=Assess%20for%20risk%20factors%20and,chain%20reaction%20(PCR)%20testing\nhttps://www.dshs.texas.gov/news-alerts/state-health-officials-remind-public-stay-vigilant-travel-related-cases-measles-are\nhttps://www.infectiousdiseaseadvisor.com/news/two-measles-cases-found-at-texas-immigrant-detention-center/\n\nMAIN SOURCES PROVIDED (BRAZIL)\nhttps://agencia.ac.gov.br/acre-decreta-emergencia-em-saude-publica-para-intensificar-acoes-contra-o-sarampo/ \nhttps://g1.globo.com/ac/acre/noticia/2025/07/17/acre-decreta-emergencia-devido-a-surto-de-sarampo-na-bolivia.ghtml \nhttps://agencia.ac.gov.br/governo-do-acre-intensifica-vigilancia-contra-o-sarampo-na-fronteira-e-reforca-importancia-da-vacinacao/#:~:text=Al%C3%A9m%20disso%2C%20h%C3%A1%20muitos%20adultos,a%20m%C3%A9dica%20infectologista%20Cirley%20Lobato ","phe_additional":"","source":"OR","source_details":"PAHO - Feb 3, 2026: https://www.paho.org/en/documents/epidemiological-alert-measles-americas-region-3-february-2026   \nUS CDC - 6 Feb, 2026: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/index.html","iso_action_date":"2026-02-19 15:14:14","event_id_int":1803,"country":"United States"},{"event_id":"1800","title":"Human - Nipah (control measures) - India/Bangladesh - Feb 8, 2026","description":null,"create_date":"02-Feb-2026","action_date":"09-Feb-2026","outcome":"UP","phe_description":"On Jan 27, 2026 India has reported two Nipah virus cases in West Bengal (two nurses, same hospital). The cases, that developed symptoms in late Dec 2025, represent the first in West Bengal since 2007. Despite WHO assessing the current regional risk as “low”, there is some media concern,  as several countries seem to have announced control actions in response to this event. An RFI has been sent to EpiCore members to support the collection of reliable information about measures taken in India and other countries, and to contribute to the overall  assessment of the current risk for the population in the Region.\n\nThe Epicore network has provided additional details about these recent Nipah cases together with background about previous outbreaks in India, and relevant information about the situation in the Region and the control measures so far implemented.  What follows is a summary of the main findings collected.\n\nINDIA\nThe two cases have been identified in Barasat, North 24 Parganas district (PCR confirmation, Jan13, 2026). West Bengal has previously recorded Nipah cases only in 2001 (Siliguri, 66/45 deaths, CFR 68%) and in 2007 (Naida, 5 fatal cases, CFR 100%). Since then, and before this recent event, cases have been sporadically identified in the country only in Kerala in 2018-2025 (most relevant outbreak: 2018, Kozhikode, 23 cases /21 deaths; CFR 91%).\n\nIn relation to these latest cases, one of them has been already discharged while the other is in critical health conditions. The involvement of healthcare workers is considered by the network a major concern, as hospitals can amplify early outbreak transmission, however it should be considered that almost 200 contacts have been identified, traced, monitored, and tested negative: the outbreak has been officially declared over following coordinated response and containment efforts. \n\nBased on the feedback collected, although these recent cases are concerning, the epidemiological history of the disease suggests that large-scale epidemics do not happen, largely because human-to-human spread requires close contact (“if the virus mutates to bind to upper respiratory tract receptors, the situation could change”).\nNipah outbreaks are typically prevalent in the Region from December to May, coinciding with date palm sap harvesting and contamination by fruit bats. The network suggests the need for improved cross-border surveillance and rapid response systems to prevent small outbreaks from growing through the development of robust One Health frameworks at national level. Experiences from past outbreaks underscore that addressing zoonotic spillovers of the virus requires also robust community engagement and proactive risk communication. \n\nThe network suggests that the following priority actions should be considered by national health authorities in the Region: \n1) Detect & contain: Boost Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES)/ Acute Respiratory Infection ARI surveillance; isolate suspects immediately; use RT PCR; monitor contacts for 21 days; enforce standard/contact/droplet precautions; provide full PPE for encephalitis \n2. Prevent spillover: Intensify public messaging to avoid raw date palm sap and bat contaminated fruit; reduce bat–human interfaces; coordinate human–animal–environment surveillance.\n3. Borders & info sharing: Keep Points of Entry/airports on watch, continue cross border information sharing, and avoid travel/trade restrictions unless epidemiology changes\n\nOTHER COUNTRIES \nThe EpiCore network has informed that on 3 February 2026, Bangladesh has also confirmed a Nipah virus infection with no link to the cases in West Bengal. The patient, identified in Rajshahi Division, developed symptoms on Jan 21 and tested positive on Jan 27 after consuming raw date palm sap. Public health measures have been implemented and all 35 contacts identified have tested negative, with no further cases detected. Nipah outbreaks in Bangladesh are typically small, occurring, as in India, between December and April and associated with date palm sap harvesting. Since 2001, there have been 348 cases and 250 deaths (72% fatality rate) in the Country, with about half linked to consuming raw or fermented date palm sap (29% involved person-to-person transmission. \n\nThe network considers that the Nipah cases in West Bengal and Bagladesh have raised significant attention on media (including social channels) and that the several travel advisory messages issued may help people to avoid traveling in case of symptoms. In addition, cases have prompted authorities across several countries to enhance their screening protocols at Points of Entry (PoE), especially in view of the coming Lunar New Year celebration. \nSeveral international airports have implemented more rigorous procedures, with thermal screening set up, for example, in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Nepal, and Hong Kong.  In Vietnam the authorities have ordered tighter airport checks including automatic temperature scans for arrivals at Noi Bai. In Myanmar,  Yangon and Mandalay International Airports began this week health screenings for arriving passengers, particularly from India and informational leaflets and displaying posters have been distributed by the authorities as part of a large awareness campaign. Similar measures have been announced in Cambodia at Techo International Airport. \nFinally, given the land border and high volume of cross-border movement, in Nepal the authorities have initiated detailed precautionary measures, specifically: \n1) Development of an Interim Testing Algorithm for Nipah defining suspected cases based on symptoms (fever, breathing difficulties, or neurological issues like coma) combined with an epidemiological link (travel to endemic areas or contact with fruit bats/raw sap);\n2) Enhancement of border vigilance with the definition of Health Desks at land crossings bordering West Bengal) and at Tribhuvan International Airport;\n3) Enhancement of Hospital Preparedness with the request of manage all suspected cases using respiratory and contact precautions,  and to report any \"sudden unexplained deaths\" or clusters of severe respiratory/neurological illness to the authorities;\n4) Public Advisories for the population: ) Avoid raw sap; b) Wash all fruits thoroughly and discard any that show signs of bird or bat bites; c) Regular handwashing; d) Maintain distance from fruit bats or sick animals. \n\nThe EpiCore network reminds that WHO currently assesses the public health risk of NiV as low in India, Bangladesh, and in general in the Region. While human cross-border transmission has not occurred yet, it remains possible due to shared habitats and past animal and human cases in both countries. Globally, the risk is also considered low, with confirmed cases only seen so far in Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore.\n\nThe RFI has been supported by relevant information useful for risk assessment purposes. This summary may be updated in case of additional contributions that may change the current risk assessment.\n \nOFFICIAL SOURCES (examples)\n- https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2219219&reg=3&lang=2  (India)\n- https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON594   (WHO)\n- https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON593 https://www.cda.gov.sg/news-and-events/cda-closely-monitoring-nipah-virus-infection-reported-in-bangladesh/   (Singapore)\n- https://edcd.gov.np/resource-detail/testing-algorithm-for-nipah-virus-interim  (Nepal)\n\nMEDIA QUOTING HEALTH AUHTORITIES and PUBLICATIONS (examples)\n- https://www.bernama.com/en/world/news.php?id=2520065\n- Veggalam S et al. Nipah Virus Outbreaks in India: A Comprehensive Update. Cureus. 2025 Sep 16;17(9):e92420. doi: 10.7759/cureus.92420. Available at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12529219/pdf/cureus-0017-00000092420.pdf \n","phe_additional":"","source":"OR","source_details":"https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON593","iso_action_date":"2026-02-09 12:17:11","event_id_int":1800,"country":"India"}]},"closedEvents":null,"numNotRatedResponses":null}