Building the Future of Biodefense

Recommendation: Informational update only.

Situation: A recent non-peer-reviewed study estimated the economic burden of measles in the US in 2025. The study found that measles cost more than $244 million in the US last year. Nearly two-thirds of the cost was due to outbreak response activities, while less than one-third of the costs were due to productivity loss. Direct medical expenses comprised 3% of costs. If measles vaccination coverage were to decline by 1% each year, annual costs could reach $1.5 billion in 2030. [Confidence: Very High]

Recommendation: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other respiratory illnesses are expected to impact employee absenteeism due to illness or caregiving duties. Organizations in the United States (US) should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members.

Situation: The WastewaterSCAN Dashboard reported that RSV detections in wastewater were High on average throughout the US. According to the CDC, RSV activity is elevated at Moderate levels and increasing in many areas of the country, including emergency department visits among infants and children aged 4 years old and younger. Hospitalizations are highest among infants less than 1 year old. Proper handwashing and respiratory hygiene should be reinforced, and vaccination encouraged. [Confidence: Very High]

Recommendation: Influenza and other respiratory infections can impact employee absenteeism due to illness or caregiving duties. Organizations in Australia should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members.

Situation: Australia recorded its highest number of influenza-related deaths this century in 2025, with 1,701 deaths, surpassing the previous record set in 2017, with 1,656 deaths. Influenza-related death rose sharply from 2023 (611 deaths) and 2024 (1,045 deaths), with peaks in July 2025 and an unusual spike late in the year. According to media sources, over 500,000 lab-confirmed influenza cases were reported last year, reflecting an intense and prolonged flu season. Health officials partly linked the surge to stalled vaccination rates, particularly among young children and older adults, whose coverage fell to its lowest levels since 2020 and 2021. Officials stated that vaccine hesitancy and misinformation are contributing factors and stressed that annual influenza vaccination remains the best protection, especially for vulnerable groups. [Confidence: Very High]