Health authorities in Mexico are grappling with a persistent measles outbreak that began in February 2025. The nation has reported over 7,400 confirmed cases and 26 deaths. A 13-month-old infant in Tlaxcala became the second child to die from measles complications in 2026, highlighting concerns over vaccination coverage and the potential loss of Mexico's measles-free status.
Los Angeles County Public Health is investigating a second confirmed measles case at LAX, linked to an international traveler. Potential exposure occurred at Tom Bradley International Terminal B on January 26-27, 2026, and a Woodland Hills Dunkin' Donuts on January 30, 2026. Officials urge vaccination and symptom monitoring.
The United Kingdom has confirmed the detection of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) in wastewater samples as of January 28, 2026, identified through routine surveillance by the UK Health Security Agency. This development has led the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to issue a Level 2 Travel Health Notice for the UK, advising enhanced precautions for travelers.
Brazil has commenced a single-dose dengue vaccination campaign in select cities within Ceará and Minas Gerais states, utilizing the nationally developed Butantan-DV vaccine. The immunization, targeting individuals aged 15 to 59, began on January 17, 2026, following its approval by Anvisa in late 2025.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has confirmed the effectiveness of the 2025/26 seasonal flu vaccination, despite the emergence of a drifted A(H3N2) subclade K virus. Preliminary data from the EU/EEA indicate vaccine effectiveness against A(H3N2) infection, with Germany ensuring ample vaccine supply.
Germany's blood reserves have demonstrated a general stabilization in annual donation and demand figures since 2020, according to reports from the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut. Despite this positive trend, the supply remains susceptible to seasonal fluctuations and public health events, leading to periodic calls for donations from organizations like the German Red Cross.
A new study published in The Lancet reveals that most COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in England was rooted in addressable concerns, with 65% of initially hesitant participants eventually receiving at least one vaccine dose. The research, from Imperial College London, analyzed over 1.1 million people.
The CDC has updated the U.S. childhood immunization schedule, reducing routine vaccinations from 17 to 11 diseases. This change, effective immediately, aligns the U.S. with international consensus and emphasizes transparency and informed consent, following a December 2025 presidential directive.
France is anticipating a peak in seasonal flu cases in January, with health authorities warning of intensified pressure on hospitals. All mainland regions are currently in an epidemic phase, and emergency services are already experiencing high demand, particularly after the holiday period.
South Africa's Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has launched a probe into alleged financial misconduct within vaccine research and manufacturing programs. The investigation, authorized by President Cyril Ramaphosa, targets four key entities: CSIR, UKZN, TIA, and DSTI, covering the period from January 2021 to December 2025.
Health authorities in Argentina's Mendoza province have launched legal proceedings against 15 parents for failing to vaccinate their children. This unprecedented action comes as Argentina faces a significant decline in national immunization rates and a resurgence of preventable diseases like measles and whooping cough.
French vaccine company Valneva SE announced positive final Phase 2 results for its single-shot Chikungunya vaccine, IXCHIQ®, in children aged one to eleven. The trial demonstrated strong antibody persistence for 12 months and a favorable safety profile, supporting future Phase 3 development in this age group.
Brazil has launched the Wolbito do Brasil biofactory in Curitiba, the world's largest facility for breeding Aedes aegypti mosquitoes carrying Wolbachia. This innovative method aims to prevent the transmission of dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya viruses, with a capacity to produce billions of eggs annually and protect millions of people.
A CDC advisory panel, ACIP, voted 8-3 to change the universal recommendation for the newborn hepatitis B vaccine. The new guidance suggests individual decision-making for infants born to mothers negative for the virus, potentially delaying the first dose until two months of age. This marks a significant shift from the 1991 universal recommendation.
Cuba marked Latin American Medicine Day on December 3rd, celebrating the birth of pioneering scientist Dr. Carlos Juan Finlay, whose discovery of the Aedes aegypti mosquito as the yellow fever transmitting agent revolutionized tropical medicine. The nation honored its healthcare professionals and highlighted its significant contributions to global health and medical cooperation.
The Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES) has launched a new National Reference Center for Wastewater Monitoring. Operational since November 19, 2025, the center expands its surveillance to include SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A and B, and RSV, providing a crucial early warning system for public health in Austria.
Egypt has been validated by the World Health Organization (WHO) for eliminating trachoma, the leading infectious cause of avoidable blindness, as a public health problem. This achievement marks a significant public health victory, making Egypt the 27th country globally and the seventh in its region to reach this status.
A highly contagious bird infection, Newcastle disease, has been confirmed in a backyard poultry flock of 35 chickens in Talsi municipality, Latvia. This marks the first reported case in domestic birds in the country, leading to immediate culling of the affected flock and implementation of strict protection and monitoring zones by the Food and Veterinary Service.
South Africa's Department of Agriculture has initiated a comprehensive strategy to vaccinate its entire national cattle herd against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD). Minister John Steenhuisen announced the policy shift on November 26, 2025, aiming to combat severe outbreaks, secure 'freedom with vaccination' status from WOAH, and protect vital export markets.
Sweden has launched a new long-term national strategy against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), featuring 17 time-bound goals over ten years. The 'One Health' approach integrates human, animal, and environmental health sectors, aiming to preserve effective antibiotic treatments and reduce healthcare-associated infections.
