Building the Future of Biodefense
Biothreat intelligence to deter and detect natural, accidental, deliberate and novel biological agents.
ADVISORY
Brazil confirms its 1st avian influenza detection on a commercial farm
05/16/2025
Brazil, Rio Grande do Sul
Recommendation: Brazil exported $10 billion of chicken meat in 2024, comprising 35% of global trade. The primary impact of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in commercial flocks is increased cost of eggs or poultry products when outbreaks become more widespread. Organizations sensitive to egg and poultry prices in Brazil should contingency plan for price volatility. PHC recommends that continuity plans be reviewed and updated in preparation for high-consequence infectious disease threats.
Situation: Brazil reported its 1st detection of HPAI at a commercial poultry breeding farm in Rio Grande do Sul. Containment and eradication measures were implemented following the detection. Officials stated that the risk of human infection is low. The number of birds affected was not provided. Media sources reported that China implemented a country-wide trade ban for 60 days due to the detection, while Japan, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia would activate state-specific bans. [Confidence: Very High]
ADVISORY
Proof of yellow fever vaccination to be checked at checkpoints on routes to high disease risk areas in Colombia
05/16/2025
Colombia
Recommendation: Organizations with employees in or traveling to Colombia should check the country's yellow fever vaccination requirements before traveling within the country to avoid delays. Enhanced screening at health checkpoints may lead to travel delays. Organizations should provide flexible work schedules to support employees who need to get vaccinated at least 10 days before any travel.
Situation: Officials announced that yellow fever vaccination is required before travel to high-risk areas in Colombia. Vaccination must occur at least 10 days before the trip. Media sources reported that authorities established mandatory health checkpoints on driving and river routes, and individuals will need to provide proof of vaccination before purchasing tickets at land transportation terminals and digital platforms. All transportation companies will need to certify that personnel are vaccinated. As of 5/12, 87 yellow fever cases, including 39 deaths, were reported in Colombia so far since early 2024, with most in Tolima. See PHC alerts on 4/25 and 4/17 for earlier info. [Confidence: Very High]
WATCH
Israel's measles outbreak reaches 48 cases, vaccine guidelines updated for the 2nd dose
05/16/2025
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: Israel reported 16 new measles cases, totaling 48 cases this year. Most cases were unvaccinated or under-vaccinated. 13 people (27%) are hospitalized, including 11 children, and 3 are in intensive care. In response, health officials updated vaccination guidelines in areas with active outbreaks, recommending the 2nd dose of the measles vaccine one month after the first. A vaccination campaign for both children and adults is underway, with new vaccination centers open. The public is urged to check their vaccination status and get vaccinated, particularly before international travel or the upcoming Lag Ba'omer Mount Meron pilgrimage. See PHC alerts on 5/12, 4/29, and 4/21 for earlier info. [Confidence: Very High]
WATCH
North Dakota reports 1 new measles case and an exposure location at the Band Day Parade in Williston
05/15/2025
North Dakota, Williams County
Recommendation: Organizations in Williams County, North Dakota, should inform employees about the measles exposure locations and 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: North Dakota reported 1 new measles case in Williams County. There are 12 measles in the state so far, 10 in Williams County and 2 in Cass County. Exposure locations include the Band Day Parade (5/10) and Tractor Supply (5/12) in Williston. Exposed individuals should monitor for measles symptoms (7-21 days from exposure). [Confidence: Very High]
WATCH
Cholera cases in Africa so far this year exceed totals from the past 2 years
05/15/2025
South SudanSudanDemocratic Republic of the CongoAngola
Recommendation: Organizations in cholera-endemic countries should ensure employees have access to potable water and encourage them to seek treatment if they develop symptoms.
Situation: Africa CDC officials reported 110,089 cholera cases and 2,307 deaths across the continent so far this year. In the first 4 months of 2025, Africa surpassed the annual case and death totals for 2023 (108,774 cases, 1,980 deaths) and 2024 (93,376 cases, 1,562 deaths). 83% of cases this year were driven by outbreaks in 4 countries: South Sudan, DRC, Angola, and Sudan. Outbreaks are exacerbated by displacement from conflict and increasingly frequent extreme weather events, such as the recent flooding in South Kivu, DRC. [Confidence: Very High]
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