French health authorities have reported the first documented human infection with the Shamonda virus, an orthobunyavirus currently spreading across at least 13 European countries, which may have resulted in the death of a severely immunocompromised patient in Lyon. In Africa, the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has become the largest on record, with 9,704 confirmed cases and 4,687 deaths, and has now spread to Kenya (nine cases) and Nigeria (one case). Meanwhile, Europe is experiencing its most geographically widespread West Nile virus transmission season, with 1,965 cases across 20 countries, including Italy (770) and Greece (457). In the Americas, despite an overall decline, dengue transmission is increasing in the Andean region, Central America, and the Caribbean, while the United States has reported 4,410 confirmed measles cases and six deaths.
Shamonda virus, France
French health authorities reported the first documented human infection with Shamonda virus in a severely immunocompromised patient who died in early October 2026 at Hospices Civils de Lyon. The Culicoides-borne orthobunyavirus, comprising variants SHAV-EU1 and SHAV-EU2, is undergoing rapid epizootic spread across at least 13 European countries. It causes acute febrile disease, fetal malformations, and abortions in livestock, with equine deaths reported in Germany and Switzerland.
Mpox, Europe and Pakistan
Mpox transmission continues across the EU/EEA, with a renewed increase in cases since June 2026, primarily driven by clade I. In September 2026, 342 clade I cases were reported across 17 countries, with Spain reporting the highest number (94), compared with only three clade II cases. Over the preceding 12 months, 1,939 clade I and 751 clade II cases were reported, with approximately 91% of cases with available information occurring among men who have sex with men. Hospitalisation was reported in 13% of clade I cases versus 7% of clade II cases, although clinical presentations were generally mild. ECDC highlights ongoing regional transmission and emphasises the importance of increasing vaccination coverage among populations at higher risk, alongside continued genomic surveillance. In Pakistan, mpox transmission has also been reported among a high-risk paediatric population, including a fatal outcome, highlighting the potential for severe disease in vulnerable children.
West Nile virus disease, Europe
The 2026 West Nile virus (WNV) transmission season has become the most geographically widespread on record in the EU/EEA, with continued expansion into northern Europe. As of 21 October, 1,965 locally acquired human cases have been reported across 20 European countries, with Italy (770), Greece (457), France (173), Spain (145) and Romania (125) accounting for the highest numbers. Overall, 229 areas have reported local transmission, including seven newly affected areas during the latest reporting week. Notably, the Netherlands has reported 63 cases and Belgium 15, representing Belgium's first documented human WNV infections. Although transmission is declining as seasonal conditions become less favourable, ECDC expects additional cases in the coming weeks.
Dengue, Central and South America
Despite an overall decline in dengue cases across the Americas in 2026, several subregions are experiencing renewed increases in transmission. According to PAHO, reported dengue cases have decreased by 58% compared with the same period in 2025 and by 64% compared with the previous five-year average. However, increasing case numbers have been observed in recent epidemiological weeks in the Andean region, Central American Isthmus and Mexico, and the Caribbean. These regional increases are of particular concern given the anticipated intensification of El Niño conditions, which may create favourable environments for dengue transmission.
Ebola disease outbreak cause by Bundibugo virus, D.R. Congo, Kenya, and Nigeria
The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak continues to expand in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with 9,704 confirmed cases and 4,687 deaths (CFR 48.3%) reported as of 20 October 2026, making it the largest Ebola outbreak ever recorded in the DRC. Transmission now affects 66 health zones across eight provinces, with Ituri remaining the epicentre (7,040 cases). Notably, the outbreak has spread to Kenya, where nine cases and one death have been reported, including eight secondary cases linked to an imported case, and Nigeria, which confirmed its first imported case on 20 October. These developments bring the number of countries affected since the start of the outbreak to five, although no wider community transmission has been identified in Kenya. The high case fatality rate, substantial number of community deaths and challenges in contact tracing remain major concerns. No approved vaccines or specific treatments are currently available for Bundibugyo virus disease, although a Phase 2/3 vaccine trial (TUMAINI) was launched in the DRC on 23 October.
First documented human infection and death reported in an immunocompromised patient in Lyon
Resurgence of New World screwworm with expanding human and animal cases spreading northward.
1,030 laboratory confirmed cases reported through October 12, with half occurring in London.
In the past 12 months, 23 countries (EU/EEA) have reported 1 939 clade I mpox cases and 19 countries have reported 751 clade II mpox cases.
1,965 locally acquired human cases have been reported across 20 European countries, with Italy (770), Greece (457), France (173), Spain (145) and Romania (125) accounting for the highest numbers
Multijurisdictional outbreak declared over after more than 6400 cases across 10 provinces.
4,410 confirmed cases and six deaths reported in 2026 amid widespread multistate outbreaks.
increasing case numbers have been observed in recent epidemiological weeks in the Andean region, Central American Isthmus and Mexico, and the Caribbean
Fatal case reported in a 10-year-old; thermal complex closed as a precaution.
205,347 cases reported nationally, with localized outbreaks and states of calamity declared.
290 suspected cases and 10,039 contacts identified in Tashkent, prompting targeted contact vaccination.
570 cases and 45 deaths reported in four northeastern provinces amid rain and flooding
98 cases and 12 deaths reported in Sindh amid healthcare-associated transmission concerns.
59 deaths and high animal bite numbers reported statewide from January to September 2026
Outbreak confirmed in Markazi refugee camp in Obock; no case counts provided.
368 confirmed cases and 14 deaths reported across 13 regions since August 2026.
8787 cases in DRC, with imported cases and limited secondary spread reported in Kenya.
National campaign launched after cases sharply increased to 2,451 with 16 deaths in 2025.
69 cases and 22 deaths reported; vaccination begins in Téhini and Doropo health districts.
The ESCMID-AUMC Epi Alert, a strategic collaboration between the ESCMID Emerging Infections Subcommittee and the Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine of Amsterdam University Medical Center (AUMC) that integrates expertise and resources to advance emerging infectious diseases surveillance and intelligence sharing. This collaboration integrates ESCMID's extensive international network and emerging infections expertise with AUMC's proven surveillance capabilities, led by Dr. Abraham Goorhuis and the AUMC team and other collaborators form European Institutions.
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