Malaria is endemic in Ethiopia, but lack of healthcare infrastructure and ongoing conflict are contributing to the surge in cases. Organizations should continue to reduce mosquito habitats by eliminating sources of standing water and applying insecticides to outdoor water storage containers. Employees can reduce infection risk by wearing clothing covering skin, using mosquito repellants, and emptying standing water. Ethiopia reported 909,146 malaria cases and 34 deaths in the first 2 months of 2025, reaching epidemic levels. In the most recent week of data, 135,03...read more2 new cases and 3 new deaths were reported. Cases per population size is highest in the Gambella region. This year's trend follows the higher-than-typical malaria activity in 2024 with over 7 million cases detected (see PHC alert 12/19). [Confidence: Very High]

Detection of H5N1 in a sheep does not pose an immediate threat to organizations. It highlights the continued risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) spillover from birds to other mammals. Additional detections may occur following enhanced surveillance after this 1st detection. Organizations should review and update continuity plans in preparation for high consequence infectious disease threats, and should follow the recommendations provided in the PHC analyses on H5N1 published on 1/10 and 2/13. The UK announced the 1st HPAI H5N1 detection in a sheep in Yorkshire. The case was identified via milk testing after avian influenza was detected in n...read moreearby captive birds. The sheep was culled and further testing of the flock did not detect any other cases. This is the 1st detection of H5N1 in sheep, but the virus has been detected in cattle and pigs as well as other mammals. Officials state that there is no evidence to suggest an increased risk to the UK's livestock population. [Confidence: Very High]

Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) occurs every year in Western Australia, usually in the rainy season between Dec - June. Organizations should reduce mosquito habitats by eliminating sources of standing water and applying insecticides to outdoor water storage containers. Employees can reduce infection risk by wearing clothing covering skin, using mosquito repellants, and emptying standing water. Health officials from Western Australia announced a suspected MVE human case in Pilbara. The individual was hospitalized. 2 other MVE cases were confi...read morermed in the state earlier this year in Kimberley and Pilbara regions, including 1 death. Queensland also reported a human case this year, while New South Wales detected the virus in mosquito populations. See PHC alert 2/7 and 1/9 for earlier info. [Confidence: Very High]

This new H5N1 case and death in an individual with exposure to sick birds in Cambodia does not change PHC's recommendations for organizations. No human-to-human spread of avian influenza has been detected. Organizations should follow the recommendations provided in the PHC analysis on 2/13, including lowering barriers to seasonal flu vaccines for their employees. Employees should avoid live-animal markets and not have contact with or consume diseased poultry. Cambodia Ministry of Health reported the death of 3-year-old child in Chit Borei District, Kratie Province due to H5N1. Health officials reported that...read more the child's family had a backyard chicken flock where some birds recently died, and the family had cooked the dead chickens. This is Cambodia's 3rd H5N1 death of 2025, all deaths in children with exposure to infected birds (see PHC alerts 2/26 and 1/13). [Confidence: Very High]

Employees traveling to yellow fever-risk areas in Peru should consult their healthcare provider at least 10 days before departure about the vaccine. Organizations should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. Employees can prevent mosquito bites by wearing protective clothing and using insect repellent. Peru health officials issued an alert about the increase in cases of yellow fever in areas of the Amazonas, Huánuco, and San Martín regions. 19 case...read mores of yellow fever were confirmed, a significant increase compared to the same period last year (2 cases). Health officials are conducting outreach activities in the affected communities and are encouraging establishment of vaccination points in strategic public locations. [Confidence: Very High]

The primary business impact of avian influenza outbreaks in commercial flocks is through increased cost of eggs or poultry products when outbreaks become more widespread. Businesses that are sensitive to egg and poultry prices should contingency plan for price volatility. PHC recommends that business continuity plans be reviewed and updated in preparation for high consequence infectious disease threats. Avian influenza was detected in a commercial turkey flock in Putten, Netherlands, resulting in the culling of 27,000 birds. A 10km transport ban was i...read moremplemented following the outbreak, affecting 74 poultry farms. No poultry, hatching, and consumption eggs can be transported from locations with birds in this zone. A ban on the removal of bird manure and litter as well as other animal products was also implemented. [Confidence: Very High]

South Sudan is prone to cholera outbreaks. Businesses in South Sudan should ensure employees have access to potable water and encourage them to seek treatment if they develop symptoms. South Sudan reported 40,231 cholera cases and 694 deaths since the outbreak started in Sept 2024. The outbreak was declining but cases started to rise...read more again during the past 3 weeks, with case numbers likely underreported due to delays in data collection and reporting. Cases are concentrated in Unity, Jonglei, and Northern Bahr el Ghazal. Inadequate water and healthcare infrastructure combined with population displacement contributed to the worsening situation. Officials implemented several vaccination campaigns but coverage varied by region. See PHC alerts 3/5, 1/14, 1/6, and 12/16 for earlier info.[Confidence: Very High]

Employers can support employees in obtaining mpox vaccinations by providing flexible work schedules. Information on the availability of mpox vaccines and treatment can also be included in employee wellness communication. Zambia has reported 7 mpox cases in the past 7 days and its 1st mpox-related death in an 8-month infant from Lusaka. Vaccination will begin in Lusaka to minimize further spread. [Confidence: Very High]

Detection of H5N1 genotype D1.3 avian influenza in a poultry worker does not change PHC's recommendations for enterprise business as there is no evidence of increased virulence or ineffectiveness against existing countermeasures. No human-to-human spread of avian influenza has been detected. PHC recommends that business continuity plans be reviewed and updated in preparation for high consequence infectious disease threats. Businesses should follow the recommendations provided in the PHC analysis on H5N1 published on 1/10 and 2/13. The CDC announced the identification of a new H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b genotype. The genotype, D1.3, was sequenced in a Mercer County, Ohio poultry worker ...read morewho was previously reported as a probable H5 case (see PHC alert 2/13). The poultry worker was exposed to infected commercial poultry and was hospitalized. Western Ohio was heavily affected by avian influenza outbreaks in commercial poultry, with 2 counties declaring a state of emergency in Feb (see PHC alert 2/20). The CDC stated that there are no indications that existing antivirals or candidate vaccine viruses would be ineffective against this genotype, or that this genotype is better adapted to infect or transmit between mammals. Genotype D1.3 may have contributed to substantial poultry losses in Ohio and Indiana this year (see PHC alerts 3/5, 2/24, and 1/28). The detection of genotype D1.3 is the 3rd H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b genotype circulating in the US this year, after B3.13 and D1.1. [Confidence: Very High]

Employers can support employees in obtaining mpox vaccinations by providing flexible work schedules. Information on the availability of mpox vaccines and treatment can also be included in employee wellness communication. Africa CDC announced that the mpox outbreak in Tanzania increased to 55 suspected cases and 22 confirmed cases so far in 2025. No deaths were reported...read more across the 16 regions that detected cases. Cases were first confirmed on 3/9 (see PHC alert 3/11). No clade information has been released yet. [Confidence: Very High]

Peak dengue season usually spans June to November in Florida, but cases can occur all year, with warm weather prolonging the season. Businesses should continue to reduce mosquito populations at their facilities by eliminating standing water. Employees can take steps to prevent mosquito bites by wearing protective clothing and using insect repellent and eliminating standing water near their homes. Florida reported its 1st locally acquired dengue case this year in Miami-Dade County. The individual was infected with dengue serotype 3. This case is...read more likely the first locally acquired dengue case on the continental US, though Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands have confirmed cases. So far this year, Florida has confirmed 44 imported dengue cases, mostly in individuals who traveled to Cuba. In 2024, Florida reported 1,040 dengue cases, of which 83 were locally acquired. [Confidence: Very High]

The primary business impact of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in commercial flocks is through increased cost of eggs or poultry products when outbreaks become more widespread. Businesses that are sensitive to egg and poultry prices should contingency plan for price volatility. PHC recommends that business continuity plans be reviewed and updated in preparation for high consequence infectious disease threats. Indiana State Board of Animal Health detected H5N1 HPAI in commercial poultry facilities in Jay and Adams Counties. Over 1.3 million birds were affect...read moreed in a commercial table egg pullet facility in Jay County and control and surveillance zones were implemented in the surrounding areas, and 3,400 birds were affected at a commercial breeder duck facility in Adams County. See PHC alert on 2/24 for earlier info. [Confidence: Very High]

Spring and summer travel in the United States and abroad overlaps with the months of increased seasonal dengue activity in many countries. Businesses should reduce mosquito populations at their facilities by eliminating standing water. Employees can prevent mosquito bites by wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, and eliminating standing water near their homes. The CDC issued an alert about the ongoing risk of dengue virus infections. Over 760,000 global cases have been reported so far in 2025, a 15% increase...read more from the 5-year average. Dengue activity is expected to rise in the Americas, increasing travel-related cases and local transmission risks in U.S. areas with mosquito vectors. Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands have declared outbreaks. In 2024, local transmission was reported in Florida (91), California (18) and Texas (1) and 3,483 cases were identified in U.S. travelers to other countries, an 84% increase from the previous year. [Confidence: Very High]

PHC's avian influenza recommendations for businesses have not changed with the detection of H7N9 strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Mississippi. No human-to-human spread of avian flu has been detected and the public health risk associated with avian influenza in birds remains low. Business response to H5N1 and H7N9 are the same; businesses should follow the recommendations provided in the PHC analysis on H5N1 published on 1/10 and 2/13. Mississippi reported the presence of the HPAI H7N9 strain at a commercial broiler breeder farm in Noxubee County. This strain has not been detected in...read more U.S. poultry since 2017. The farm has been quarantined, and the birds were depopulated to limit the disease's spread. Furthermore, no birds from the affected flock have entered the food supply. The Mississippi Board of Animal Health is working with the poultry industry to increase monitoring of flocks statewide. [Confidence: Very High]

Businesses in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada who ate at or used Tim Hortons for catering or event services may wish to notify employees of this exposure. Employees who ate food from the restaurant and are not vaccinated against hepatitis A or experience gastrointestinal symptoms should consult with a healthcare provider. Alberta health officials confirmed a hepatitis A case in a restaurant worker at Tim Hortons Milbourne Market Mall in Edmonton. Those who ate or drank ...read moreat Tim Hortons from Feb 20 to Mar 5 may have been exposed. The hepatitis A vaccine is over 95% effective in preventing disease in people who have received two shots. A single shot of the hepatitis A vaccine can prevent hepatitis A if given within 14 days of exposure. Immunization clinics will be scheduled in Edmonton for eligible individuals. [Confidence: Very High]

The primary business impact of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in commercial flocks is through increased cost of eggs or poultry products when outbreaks become more widespread. Businesses sensitive to egg and poultry prices should have a contingency plan for continued price volatility. Iowa reported H5N1 avian influenza in a group of commercial young, female chickens (pullets) located in Buena Vista County. Approximately 400,000 pull...read moreets will be depopulated. This is Iowa’s 6th detection of H5N1 HPAI within domestic birds in 2025. [Confidence: Very High]

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is endemic in Uganda, with outbreaks occurring periodically. Businesses in Uganda with employees working outdoors in grassy or wooded areas should remind them that tick bite prevention is important for minimizing exposure risk. Media sources reported a CCHF outbreak in Kyegegwa District. 1 case was confirmed an individual from Kaziz village, Kyatega and 2 suspected cases are ...read morein isolation. Another outbreak was reported in Jan this year in nearby Mubende district (see PHC alert 1/17). CCHF is a tick-borne disease that can also be spread to humans through contact with an infected animal's blood or body fluids. [Confidence: Very High]

Queensland's mosquito-borne illness risk is highest during warmer months, from Nov - May. The detection of Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a reminder that these viruses are now circulating, and mosquito bite prevention is important. Businesses should reduce mosquito habitats by eliminating sources of standing water and applying insecticides to outdoor water storage containers. Employees can reduce infection risk by wearing clothing covering skin, using mosquito repellants, and emptying standing water. Businesses in Queensland should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. Queensland detected Japanese encephalitis (JE) in mosquitoes in Brisbane this week. This is the 1st time the virus has been detected in the area, thou...read moregh other parts of the state have reported detections in humans and other animals. Health officials warn that the risk of JE is likely to increase following flooding from Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. See PHC alerts 3/7, 2/13, and 1/22 for earlier info. [Confidence: Very High]

These additional cases of avian influenza infections in cats underscore the need for businesses to maintain their preparedness plans. Businesses should follow the recommendations provided in the PHC analysis on 1/10, including lowering barriers to seasonal flu vaccines for their employees. H5N1 avian influenza and other pathogens have been found in raw milk and raw cat food. Pasteurization inactivates H5N1, making pasteurized milk and milk products safe to consume. For additional context, see PHC analysis on 2/13. New York City confirmed 2 cats were infected with H5 avian influenza in 2 separate households. Officials urged pet owners to not feed their pets raw f...read moreood or milk and keep cats indoors to limit exposure with wild birds or other animals. They stated that the risk of avian influenza to the public remains low. [Confidence: Very High]

Businesses in New South Wales (NSW) can support mosquito control measures at their facilities by eliminating standing water. Employees living in or visiting the area should eliminate sources of standing water around their property and prevent mosquito bites by wearing protective clothing and using insect repellent. Businesses should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members NSW confirmed its 2nd Japanese encephalitis death this year in an individual who recently was in the Murrumbidgee region (see PHC alert 2/27). The 1st...read more death also reported travel to the Murrumbidgee region. A additional probable case was reported in an individual with recent travel to Moree Plains, Tamworth, and Gunnedah shires. So far in 2025, NSW has reported 5 cases of Japanese encephalitis. [Confidence: Very High]

Informational update only. Tanzania announced the end of the Marburg virus outbreak after 42 days with no additional cases since the last confirmed case died on 1/28. The outbre...read moreak totaled 2 confirmed cases and 8 probable cases in Kagera region since mid Dec 2024. All 10 cases died. [Confidence: Very High]

Businesses in Queensland, Australia should reduce mosquito habitats by eliminating sources of standing water and applying insecticides to outdoor water storage containers. Employees can reduce infection risk by wearing clothing covering skin, using mosquito repellants, and emptying standing water. Health officials reported 6 probable cases of dengue in Townville residents in Queensland, Australia, with most in the North Ward suburb. The public w...read moreas urged to take precautions against dengue with mosquito mitigation activities, wearing long-sleeved clothing and using insect repellent. [Confidence: Very High]

Employers can support employees in obtaining mpox vaccinations by providing flexible work schedules. Information on the availability of mpox vaccines and treatment can also be included in employee wellness communication. Sierra Leone reported 1 death and 32 cases in the most recent week of data on the ongoing mpox outbreak. The cases were detected in Western Area Urban...read more and Western Area Rural districts. Sequencing from 8 samples detected clade 2b, a less virulent clade than clade 1a and 1b that are circulating in several countries in the region. There have been 72 cases and 1 death since the outbreak began in mid Jan. See PHC alerts on 2/3, 1/14, and 1/13 for earlier info.[Confidence: Very High]

The suspected measles deaths in the 2 children is a reminder that the illness can be severe or fatal. The continuing large measles outbreak in Vietnam warrants greater attention from enterprise businesses. Businesses in Vietnam should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. People traveling to Vietnam should check their measles vaccination status. The Vietnam Ministry of Health reported 2 deaths in children with a fever and rash from Nam Tra My District, Quang Nam Province. The district reported...read more 255 children with rash and fever symptoms were admitted and treated since Jan, and measles was detected in 19 cases, suggesting the deaths are likely due to measles. Health officials are intensifying the public health response, including immunization campaigns, in the district but the remote location and difficult travel conditions pose challenges. [Confidence: Very High]

Oropouche virus disease (OVD) during pregnancy was found to have negative birth effects, reminiscent of Zika virus (See PHC alert 11/20). Businesses should consider informing employees with work-related planned travel to areas where Oropouche is circulating and support pregnant employees who choose not to travel. Pregnant employees or those planning to get pregnant in the next 3 months should consult with their medical provider about the Oropouche-related risks associated with travel to areas where Oropouche may be circulating. The Panama Ministry of Health confirmed its first Oropouche fever death in an adult male with comorbidies. The case had recently traveled to the provi...read morence of Darien. So far in 2025, Panama reported 221 Oropouche cases in Darien, Panama East, and Panama Metro. Health officials urged the public to seek health care if they have a fever and a severe headache. This is the first Oropouche death in Panama, but 4 deaths were reported in 2024 in Brazil. [Confidence: Very High]

Intermittent cancellation of poultry sales have limited business impacts outside of agricultural and food-related businesses. No human cases have been detected, but additional infections in poultry create opportunities for the public to be exposed to the virus. Businesses that are sensitive to the price of poultry should assume a readiness posture to respond quickly if needed; PHC will update as appropriate. New York City confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza in live poultry markets in 4 of 5 NYC boroughs in the past week. Since 3/6, 5 live poultry m...read morearkets were affected in Brooklyn (2), Queens (1), Bronx (1), and Staten Island (1) boroughs. The number of affected birds is available for 3 of 5 markets from USDA and totals 1,490 birds so far. See PHC alerts 3/6 and 2/10 for earlier information. [Confidence: Very High]

Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is highly contagious; a single case in the workplace can infect 15 others. The average worker absenteeism for whooping cough is 6 days. Businesses in Wyoming should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. Wyoming reported 30 whooping cough cases this year in 8 counties with most cases concentrated in Sheridan County. This was a sharp increase from previ...read moreous years, with 19 whooping cough cases reported in 2024, 0 in 2023 and 2 in 2022. Whooping cough activity is likely underreported given the similar presentation with other respiratory viruses. See PHC alert 2/12 for an earlier update. [Confidence: Very High]

Dengue is endemic in Paraguay and peak season occurs between March and April, but an increased circulation of DENV-3 serotype could lead to a surge in cases since the population may lack immunity against it. Businesses should reduce mosquito populations at their facilities by eliminating standing water. Employees can prevent mosquito bites by wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, and eliminating standing water near their homes. Dengue in Paraguay are steadily increasing, with an average of about 1,000 cases per week. The DENV-3 serotype reappeared in the country after 9 years...read more of absence. Dengue has 4 serotypes, and infection from one does not protect against infection from the others, but does increase the risk of severe illness with subsequent infections. DENV-1 and DENV-2 serotypes are also circulating in the country. [Confidence: Very High]

Employers can support at-risk employees in obtaining mpox vaccinations by providing flexible work schedules. Information on the availability of mpox vaccines and treatment can also be included in employee wellness communication. Sao Paulo, Brazil confirmed the 1st detection of mpox clade 1b in Brazil in an individual who reported contact with a family member from the DRC. No s...read moreecondary cases were detected so far. Clade 1a and clade 1b both circulate in the DRC with 5 other African countries reporting community transmission of clade 1b this year so far. [Confidence: Very High]

Businesses should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. Information on vaccination before domestic and international travel can also be included in employee wellness communication. Measles is highly contagious and can quickly spread among unvaccinated individuals in a work environment. With spring and summer travel approaching, CDC is emphasizing vaccination as the most important tool to prevent the spread of measles. As of Mar 6, th...read moree US has reported a total of 222 measles cases (2 fatal) in 12 states this year: Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington. Most of the cases were among children who had not received the MMR vaccine. If individuals suspect they have measles, they should isolate and contact their health care provider. [Confidence: Very High]

The UK is conducting contact tracing and will notify potentially exposed individuals. The risk to the overall population is exceedingly low. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) announced of a Lassa fever exposure in England. The individual traveled to England from Nigeria in Feb, where La...read moressa fever is endemic, before returning to Nigeria where they were diagnosed. UKHSA states the risk of infection for the UK population is very low. [Confidence: Very High]

Employers can support at-risk employees in obtaining mpox vaccinations by providing flexible work schedules. Information on the availability of mpox vaccines and treatment can also be included in employee wellness communication. Uganda reported an increase in new mpox cases in the past month. 1,957 cases and 16 deaths were confirmed so far in 2025 with clade 1b detected in all...read more sequenced samples. Media sources also reported an mpox outbreak of 6 cases in Rubirizi District, primarily in students from a secondary school, following schools reopening. Officials implemented isolation facilities and contact tracing. See PHC alerts 3/3 and 2/25 for earlier info. [Confidence: Very High]

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) outbreaks in commercial flocks can drive up egg and poultry prices by affecting major producers. Businesses sensitive to egg and poultry prices in the United Kingdom should contingency plan for price volatility. Over 2 million birds and poultry were culled in the United Kingdom (UK) because of H5N1. 68,900 free-range layers were lost from the egg market in Feb...read more. The National Farmers' Union said national flocks were being built up and while tight, there were currently no impacts on supply, but the situation could change if the rate of culling increases. Eggs from free-range hens are estimated to make up 72% of the total UK market. [Confidence: Very High]

Businesses in Morocco 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. Morocco announced the continuation of national measles vaccination campaign until the end of March. The vaccination campaign started in January with e...read morexpanded eligibility for adults amid the rise in measles cases (see PHC alert 1/16 and 1/13). Media sources reported that national incidence continuously declined in recent weeks, but regional disparities in vaccination coverage remain. [Confidence: Very High]

Mandatory masking in healthcare facilities has low business impact but is a reminder that temporary mitigation strategies may be needed to control the spread of measles. Businesses in Ontario, Canada may want to notify their employees of this policy change. Measles is highly contagious and can quickly spread among unvaccinated individuals in a work environment. With the rising measles cases in the Ontario region, Norfolk General Hospital now requires masks to be worn in the emergency department, patient waiti...read moreng areas, and outpatient clinics. In the rest of the hospital, masks are encouraged, but optional. [Confidence: Very High]

Employers can support employees in obtaining mpox vaccinations by providing flexible work schedules. Information on the availability of mpox vaccines and treatment can also be included in employee wellness communication. Angola reported 3 confirmed mpox cases in Cuanza North province, the 1st cases of 2025. 4 cases were detected in Luanda and Uige in 2024, totaling 7 c...read moreases since the mpox emergency started. Mpox clade 1b was previously detected in the country, but clade information was not provided for the recent cases. [Confidence: Very High]

Businesses in Ontario, Canada should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. Businesses may wish to notify their employees about the policy change. Southwestern Public Health in Ontario, Canada is implementing measles vaccination clinics and lowering the age of children being vaccinated as the loc...read moreal outbreak continues to grow, totaling 110 cases since October 2024. Children usually receive their first measles vaccine dose at 12 months old, but 6-11 month old children can receive their first vaccination dose in March. Grand Erie Public Health made a similar change in Feb (see PHC alert 2/18). [Confidence: Very High]

Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is highly contagious; a single case in the workplace can infect 15 others. The average worker absenteeism for whooping cough is 6 days. Businesses in Mexico should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. Mexico issued an alert following an increase in whooping cough cases in 2025. There were 120 confirmed and 492 probable cases reported so far in 2025,...read more an 8-fold increase in confirmed cases compared to the same time in 2024 (15 confirmed, 189 probable cases). Regionally, other countries in the Americas observed a rise in whooping cough following low incidence reported during pandemic years. Officials called for enhanced surveillance. [Confidence: Very High]

This whooping cough death is a reminder that the disease can be deadly. It is also highly contagious; a single case in the workplace can infect 15 others. The average worker absenteeism for whooping cough is 6 days. Businesses in the Bogota, Colombia should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. Bogota, Colombia confirmed a death due to whooping cough in a child less than 2 months old in Feb. So far in 2025, 22 probable cases were detected, wh...read moreile in the past year, Bogota reported 9 cases in children under 1 year old. Nationally, confirmed cases increased, with other countries in the regional also reporting similar trends. Officials urged immunization, with over 200 offering vaccination. [Confidence: Very High]

Another human case and numerous detections of poliovirus in wastewater samples signal ongoing circulation in the environment. The polio vaccine is more than 99% effective in preventing poliovirus infection. Travelers to Pakistan should verify their polio vaccination status before travel. Pakistan reported a case of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in a Thatta, Sindh resident, the 4th case in Sindh and 6th nationwide this year. See PHC ale...read morerts 2/24, 2/13 and 1/22 for earlier cases. This week, the Pakistan Polio Eradication Program also reported detection of polio in wastewater samples from Chaman, Loralai, Noshki, Quetta, Zhob, DI Khan, Lakki Marwat, Peshawar, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Badin, Dadu, Hyderabad, Jacobabad, Jamshoro, Karachi Central, Karachi East, Karachi Keamari, Karachi Korangi, Karachi Malir, Mirpurkhas, Sujawal, and Sukkur. [Confidence: Very High]

Pediatric influenza-related deaths in Michigan this season are a reminder that the illness can be severe or fatal. Businesses should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. Michigan reported 2 new pediatric influenza-related deaths in Kent County residents during the last week, totaling 5 statewide this season. Influenza ...read moreactivity remains high, with over 15,000 flu-related visits to healthcare providers across MI in the past week (Feb 8-15). [Confidence: Very High]

Businesses in Hong Kong should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. Employees traveling internationally should consult with their healthcare provider 6-8 weeks before traveling to discuss which vaccines would be appropriate based on their itinerary. Hong Kong issued an alert advising the public to check their measles vaccination status is up-to-date before traveling abroad. Officials cite measles ...read moreoutbreaks in Texas, United States, Vietnam, and the Philippines as high risk. [Confidence: Very High]

Employers can support employees in obtaining mpox vaccinations by providing flexible work schedules. Information on the availability of mpox vaccines and treatment can also be included in employee wellness communication. South Africa reported its first 3 mpox cases of 2025 in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng province. The index case was in an individual with recent travel to Kampal...read morea, Uganda with two other cases, also in Ekurhuleni, detected through contact tracing. The index case was confirmed as clade 1, but no information was provided on the subclade. Although no sequencing was released on the 2 linked cases, this is likely the 1st known instance of clade 1 local transmission in South Africa. [Confidence: Very High]

For informational purposes only. These clusters of cases in the DRC were renamed to Acute Febrile Syndrome (AFS) because an official cause of the outbreak(s) remains unknown. Investigation and testing are ongoing. PHC will monitor the event and provide updates as needed. PHC recommends reviewing and updating business continuity plans to prepare for high-consequence infectious disease threats. Update on outbreak of unknown illness in Equateur, DRC (see PHC alerts 2/25 and 2/21 for earlier info): in Basankusu Health Zone, 524 new cases and 7 ...read moredeaths were reported in the last week, totaling 943 cases and 52 deaths. No new cases were reported in the Bolomba Health Zones last week; 12 cases and 8 deaths were identified since early Feb. There is no known link between the outbreaks in the health zones. Testing has ruled out Ebola and Marburg. About half of the samples tested for malaria in Basankusu returned positive (309; 54.1%), which is common in the area and may indicate a co-infection. Further investigation and testing are ongoing. [Confidence: Very High]

This new H5N1 case and death in an individual with exposure to sick birds in Cambodia does not change PHC's recommendations for enterprise business. No human-to-human spread of avian influenza has been detected. Businesses should follow the recommendations provided in the PHC analysis on Feb 13, including lowering barriers to seasonal flu vaccines for their employees. Employees should avoid live-animal markets and not have contact with or consume diseased poultry. Cambodia confirmed an H5N1-related death in a 2 year old boy in Tang village within Preah district, the country's 2nd H5N1 case this year (see PHC ale...read morert 1/13 for earlier info). The case was exposed to dead chickens at his house. [Confidence: Very High]

As PHC warned, the primary business impact of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in commercial flocks is increased cost of eggs or poultry products when outbreaks become more widespread. Businesses that are sensitive to egg and poultry prices should contingency plan for price volatility. Media sources reported that Denny's is adding a temporary surcharge to any meal that includes eggs due to the rising cost of eggs tied to avian influe...read morenza outbreaks. The pricing decision will be implemented market-by-market and restaurant-by-restaurant. Denny's joins Waffle House, which also implemented a temporary surcharge this month (see PHC alert 2/4). [Confidence: Very High]

Pediatric neurologic complications with influenza in Massachusetts this season is a reminder that the illness can be severe or fatal. Businesses should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) reported an increase in influenza-related neurologic complications among pediatric cases the reas...read moreon for which is unknown. One explanation may be the high influenza activity, yielding higher than normal number of cases with complications. Other possible reasons include the circulating influenza type(s) confer higher risk or the affected population has a higher risk than before. [Confidence: Very High]

Employers can support at-risk employees in obtaining mpox vaccinations by providing flexible work schedules. Information on the availability of mpox vaccines and treatment can also be included in employee wellness communication. Pakistan reported its 1st case of locally acquired mpox in a Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa resident. The case is the spouse of an individual who developed mpox s...read moreymptoms after traveling to an unspecified Gulf country. The clade was not specified. [Confidence: Very High]

The primary business impact of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in commercial flocks is through increased cost of eggs or poultry products when outbreaks become more widespread. Businesses that are sensitive to egg and poultry prices should have a contingency plan for continued price volatility. The USDA egg market overview showed continuing price increases. Prices for national trading of truck lot quantities of graded, loose, white large shel...read morel eggs increased to $8.07 per dozen. Depopulation led to a loss of 26.8 million birds in 2025 and 13.2 million in Dec. The ongoing avian flu outbreaks in commercial poultry will continue to contribute to price volatility. The magnitude of the bird loss is resulting in delayed replacement for some facilities while marketers struggle to cover the demand (see PHC alert 1/28). [Confidence: Very High]

Businesses in Kosti and Rabak, Sudan should ensure access to potable water and encourage employees to seek treatment if they develop gastrointestinal symptoms. The Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reported that over 800 cases were admitted to a hospital in Kosti and more than 2 dozen died between Feb 19 - Feb...read more 21 within White Nile State, Sudan. Officials suspect the White Nile River as the source of contamination were many collected water after a major power outage. The market and most restaurants are closed. [Confidence: Very High]