Measles, Americas. On November 10, 2025, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) announced that the Region of the Americas has lost its measles-free status after endemic transmission was reestablished in Canada, where the virus circulated for over a year. As of early November, 12,596 confirmed cases and 28 deaths were reported across ten countries, with 95% of cases in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. The outbreaks largely affect unvaccinated populations, especially children under five. Regional vaccination coverage remains below the 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks.
Rift Valley Fever - West Africa: First human RVF case reported in Gambia (Nov 5) near Senegalese border, marking third affected country. Senegal reports 397 cases, 29 deaths (CFR: 7.3%) with expansion to 9 regions including newly affected Kèdougou. Mauritania totals 46 cases, 14 deaths (CFR: 30.4%), 74% decrease in incidence. All three countries report outbreaks concentrated along Senegal River delta/valley. Vaccination campaigns ongoing (11,644 animals vaccinated in Senegal).
Cholera - Global: Sudan faces worst cholera outbreak on record (94,549 cases) and highest global death toll (1,749 total in 2025) amid ongoing humanitarian emergency. Part of broader global surge: 450,783 new cases and 5,642 deaths worldwide (May-Oct 2025), a 22% increase vs 2024. Top affected countries: Afghanistan (123,416), Yemen (74,452) and DRC (46,832).
Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) - South Korea: 223 provisional cases as of Nov 9, highest in five years. Cases are reported nationwide across rural areas, primarily affecting agricultural workers. Peak transmission extends through November.
Influenza - Pacific Region: Regional influenza positivity increasing gradually with earlier-than-usual seasonal onset in multiple countries. Predominant subtype: A(H3), shifting from previous A(H1N1). Japan is experiencing a nationwide epidemic with 57,424 cases reported in the last week. Cases nearly doubled weekly and 2,307 educational institutions are closed.
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever - France: CCHFV detected in Hyalomma marginatum ticks and animals (2.04% cattle, 2.25% wildlife seropositive) in southern France; enzootic circulation confirmed. No human cases yet, but potential for spillover.
Measles – Americas: The Americas lost measles-free status, with 12,596 cases and 28 deaths reported across ten countries, with 95% in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.
Rift Valley Fever – West Africa: First case in Gambia. Senegal: 397 cases, 29 deaths; Mauritania: 46 cases, 14 deaths.
Cholera – Global: Worst ever outbreak Sudan (94,549 cases, 1,749 deaths). Major hotspots: Afghanistan, Yemen, DRC.
Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome – South Korea: 223 cases, highest in five years; mainly rural agricultural workers.
Influenza – Pacific: Early A(H3)-dominant season; Japan epidemic (57,424 last week)
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever – France: Virus detected in ticks and animals; no human cases yet.
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.
The Epi Alert aims for weekly publication, with frequency adapted to emerging threats. The briefings are curated by infectious disease specialists prioritising data from trusted sources (WHO, ECDC, CDC, ProMED) based on potential impact, geographic region and urgency/relevancy to clinical practice. It aims to provide concise summaries for busy healthcare professionals with direct links for further investigation and transparency.
This integrated collaboration represents a significant milestone in ESCMID's commitment to emerging infections preparedness, strengthening our collective capacity to detect, analyse, and respond to infectious disease threats through international cooperation.
Disclaimer: The information in this epi-alert is a weekly summary of the information that is available on the internet, mainly the websites of WHO, ECDC, CDC, and others. For this summary, we consider issues that are most relevant to the ESCMID members involved in clinical patient care. Therefore, this report is not comprehensive, but we strive to include all major global issues in this report on a weekly basis.
The recent re-emergence of avian influenza (H5N1) in parts of Asia, including isolated human cases in Cambodia and India, highlights the need for continued vigilance. While sustained human-to-human transmission has not been observed, the current situation warrants close monitoring. Strengthening surveillance, improving poultry vaccination strategies, and promoting regional One Health collaborations can support risk assessment and management, including early containment efforts.
Since the previous update on 5 May 2025, and as of 12 May 2025, nine new MERS-CoV cases—including two deaths—have been reported by health authorities in Saudi Arabia, bringing the total number of cases this year to ten.
Seven of the recent cases were part of the same cluster in Riyadh, including one patient with no history of contact with camels and six healthcare workers who acquired nosocomial infections from that patient in early May.
The risk of sustained human-to-human transmission in Europe remains very low. However, the current MERS-CoV situation is concerning, as this rise in cases comes just two weeks ahead of the Mecca pilgrimage—a period typically associated with high international travel.
Since April 2012, and as of 12 May 2025, a total of 2,638 confirmed MERS cases—including 957 deaths—have been reported globally.
A Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak is evolving in Rwanda, East Africa. As of 7 October 2024, over 40 confirmed MVD cases have been reported, mainly in healthcare facilities in Kigali, with many healthcare workers affected. This outbreak represents a spread from known endemic areas to urban settings, including nosocomial transmission in Kigali hospitals. While outbreaks are typically limited to remote areas, this one spans across Rwanda, with potential for satellite cases and further spread. No vaccines or treatments are currently available.
This compilation includes the latest news, publications, and resources, covering recent developments such as vaccine distribution in Africa and WHO policy updates. It provides links to '2022-2024 Mpox Outbreak: Global Trends,' which features interactive dashboards and epidemiological data. This update offers a brief overview of the developments of the mpox situation for healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers.
As of August 2024, the world is facing a significant mpox outbreak, primarily affecting countries in Central and East Africa, particularly the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and neighbouring countries, with cases reported across several regions. The outbreak is characterised by the sustained human-to-human transmission of the clade I monkeypox virus (MPXV).
This ESCMID EIS mpox commentary provides up-to-date, evidence-based information on mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) for healthcare professionals, researchers, and public health officials.
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