Building the Future of Biodefense
Biothreat intelligence to deter and detect natural, accidental, deliberate and novel biological agents.
ADVISORY
Nebraska reports its first avian influenza infection in a dairy cattle herd
09/16/2025
United States of America, Nebraska
Recommendation: Continued highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) transmission in cattle may increase the risk of viral reassortment and additional virus spillover into humans. No human-to-human spread of avian influenza has been detected. Organizations should follow the recommendations provided in the PHC analysis on 1/10 and 2/13, including lowering barriers to seasonal flu vaccines for their employees.
Situation: HPAI was detected in a dairy cattle herd for the 1st time in Nebraska. The case was confirmed as a result of tracing efforts following an initial detection from pre-movement milk sampling. Genetic analysis identified that the virus is H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype B3.13. USDA and Nebraska officials are conducting on-farm investigations and testing to understand the case and prevent further spread. Nationally, 1,080 herds across 18 states were affected by avian influenza since the outbreak started in March 2024. [Confidence: Very High]
WATCH
Israel expands early measles vaccination as almost 500 new cases were reported in over 2 weeks
09/16/2025
Israel
Recommendation: Organizations in Israel should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. Measles is highly contagious and can quickly spread among unvaccinated individuals in a work environment.
Situation: Amid an ongoing measles outbreak in multiple Israeli communities, including Beit Shemesh, Bnei Brak, Harish, Jerusalem, Modi'in Illit, and Nof HaGalil, health officials announced that infants aged 6-11 months with family or social ties to affected areas, or planning visits there, can receive an early dose of the measles vaccine without an appointment. 481 new measles cases were reported in Israel since PHC's alert on 8/29, totaling 1,251 measles cases in the outbreak, with 29 hospitalizations (mostly in children), including 5 in intensive care. [Confidence: Very High]
ADVISORY
COVID-19 positivity and hospitalizations are rising in Japan and South Korea
09/15/2025
JapanSouth KoreaAustraliaIndonesia
Recommendation: COVID-19 is highly contagious and can be spread in the workplace and schools, leading to worker absenteeism due to illness or caregiving duties. Organizations in the Western Pacific Region should advise employees to proactively protect against respiratory illness by wearing masks, practicing hand and cough hygiene, avoiding crowded areas, and getting vaccinated. Organizations should provide flexible work schedules to support employees who need to make vaccine appointments for themselves or their family members.
Situation: In the Western Pacific Region, the following countries reported an increase in COVID-19 positivity rates, compared to the previous week: Australia (2.1%), Indonesia (7.5%), Japan (46.8%), and South Korea (37.7%). Both Japan and South Korea have seen a sustained increase in hospitalizations since late July. NB.1.8.1 remains the dominant circulating variant in the Region with a frequency of 58.7%. Other circulating variants in the Region include: B.1.1.529 at 23.3%, KP.3.1.1 at 11.0%, and JN.1 at 3.8%. [Confidence: Very High]
WATCH
Legionnaires’ cluster reached 52 cases in Marshalltown, Iowa
09/15/2025
Iowa, Marshall County
Recommendation: Legionnaires’ disease spreads through inhaling aerosolized contaminated water from sources like cooling towers, pools/hot tubs, showers, or fountains. Employees working in or visiting Marshall County, Iowa, should seek medical attention if symptoms appear. Organizations in the county that own or manage buildings with cooling towers should stay up to date on testing and maintenance, as contaminated towers can infect a large number of people. The disease can range from mild to fatal.
Situation: Iowa health officials are investigating a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease cases among individuals living in north central Marshalltown. 18 new cases were reported since PHC 's alert on 9/10, totaling 52 cases in the outbreak, including 1 death. A source of illness has not been reported. Officials recommended that people who live or visit the area seek immediate medical attention if pneumonia-like symptoms appear, and that businesses and property owners review their water management practices. [Confidence: Very High]
ADVISORY
Macao confirms another locally acquired chikungunya case
09/15/2025
Macao
Recommendation: Macao is in the peak season for mosquito-borne diseases, and importation from the ongoing outbreak in Guangdong, China, may increase the risk of local outbreaks. Organizations in Macao should reduce mosquito habitats by eliminating standing water and applying insecticides to outdoor storage containers, as well as encouraging employees to prevent mosquito bites.
Situation: Macao detected its 3rd locally acquired chikungunya case last week after local transmission was first detected in early August (see PHC alert on 8/4). 2 other suspected cases were tested and later confirmed to be negative. Health officials completed vector control response efforts in the risk area of Bada New Village on Rua do Cidad do Sintra Street, while control efforts are ongoing in the Rua do Sintra Street risk area. See PHC alerts on 7/30, 7/25, and 7/22 for earlier info. [Confidence: Very High]
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