Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is highly contagious and can be deadly; a single case in the workplace can infect 15 others. The average worker absenteeism for whooping cough is 6 days. Organizations in Florida should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. Florida reported 37 new whooping cough cases in the most recent week of data, totaling 505 cases so far this year. Cases are over 4 times higher compa...read morered to this time last year (104 cases). Several other states have reported elevated whooping cough activity (see PHC alerts on 5/5, 5/2, 4/29). Nationally, 10,062 cases were reported, nearly 2 times higher compared to this time last year (5,212). The US is returning to pre-pandemic patterns with more than 10,000 whooping cough cases reported annually. [Confidence: Very High]

Organizations in New York 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. New York reported 5 new measles cases in Orange and Ontario Counties, totaling 8 cases this year. 3 new measles cases were confirmed in Orange County ...read morechildren who recently traveled internationally. No exposures outside of immediate family are known to have occurred. Health officials also reported a probable measles case in Ontario County from March in a resident who was exposed outside the US and had isolated at home while contagious. Health officials advised the public to review their vaccination status and to get vaccinated. Children aged 6 months and older can receive a dose of the MMR vaccine early. [Confidence: Very High]

Informational update only. 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. The CDC's Influenza Risk Assessment Tool (IRAT) evaluates the potential pandemic risk of novel influenza A viruses. The latest assessment reviewed two...read more recent clade 2.3.4.4b avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses: a B3.13 genotype virus and a D1.1 genotype virus. Both viruses scored as "moderate risk" for emergence and public health impact. The IRAT does not assess immediate public health risk or predict future pandemics. The current H5N1 bird flu situation continues to be mostly an animal health issue, and human risk remains low. [Confidence: Very High]

Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is highly contagious and can be deadly; a single case in the workplace can infect 15 others. The average worker absenteeism for whooping cough is 6 days. Organizations in Mexico should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. Mexico reported 835 confirmed cases of whooping cough so far this year, including 49 deaths. All deaths were in children under the age of 1 who were u...read morenvaccinated, and most were in children under the age of 6 months. In the first 4 months of 2025, Mexico approached the 2019 annual total of cases (874). See PHC alerts on 4/14 and 3/4 for earlier info. [Confidence: Very High]

Human anthrax cases are rare in Thailand, though the disease is more commonly detected in neighboring countries of Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar. Organizations should caution employees working in or traveling to Thailand to avoid consuming meat from dead or improperly slaughtered cattle. Travel from Thailand to Laos could be delayed at inspection checkpoints. Thai officials confirmed an anthrax outbreak in Mukdahan Province, near the Laos border, with 3 human confirmed cases, including 1 death, and 98 peopl...read moree still under observation. In response, Laos issued a nationwide directive to immediately suspend the import and transit of animals and animal products from Thailand. This includes cattle, buffalo, horses, pigs, sheep, and goats. All border checkpoints will enforce strict inspections, disinfect vehicles, and enhance livestock monitoring. The restriction will remain until the outbreak is contained. See PHC alert 5/2 for an earlier update. [Confidence: Very High]

Influenza-related deaths are a reminder that the illness can be severe or fatal. Organizations should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. The United States reported 216 influenza-associated pediatric deaths for the 2024-25 season in the most recent week of data, the 2nd highest number of...read more pediatric deaths since the 2009-10 season (288 deaths). Experts suggest that the number of deaths is likely underreported due to delayed data compilation and may continue to rise after the influenza season comes to a close. This season was declared to be a high severity season across all age groups, but activity is on the decline nationally. [Confidence: Very High]

During Tonga's intermittent dengue outbreaks, 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. Tonga reported 22 new dengue cases on 5/5, totaling 647 cases since the outbreak started, with most cases from Vava'u (301), Tongatapu (286), 'Eua (58...read more), and Haapai (2). A 3rd dengue-related death was reported in an 8-year-old boy from Tongatapu, while 6 cases are currently hospitalized in stable condition. Cases continue to be reported at lower numbers since the peak in early March. See PHC alerts on 4/30, 4/15, 4/2, 3/26, and 3/12 for earlier info. [Confidence: Very High]

Organizations with employees traveling to Ecuador should check the country's yellow fever vaccination and entry documentation requirements before travel to avoid delays. Organizations should provide flexible work schedules to support employees who need to get vaccinated at least 10 days before departure. Starting on 5/12, residents from or travelers who spent >10 days in Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, and Brazil must show an International Certificate of Vacc...read moreination against yellow fever upon entering Ecuador. Additionally, Ecuadorians or residents without a vaccination history traveling to high-risk areas in the Ecuadorian Amazon (Sucumbíos, Orellana, Napo, Pastaza, Morona Santiago, and Zamora Chinchipe) must get vaccinated 10 days before travel. Officials advised planning trips in advance to ensure a valid international vaccination certificate. [Confidence: Very High]

Locust swarms are not uncommon in Australia and are most prevalent after rainfalls. Locusts can have a devastating impact on agriculture, particularly in regions where large swarms invade crops, leading to economic losses, pesticide and control costs, and disrupting seasonal planting. Media sources reported that locusts are destroying pastures and crops, particularly affecting grass for cattle herds, after recent flooding in Queensl...read moreand. The Department of Primary Industries stated properties in the Central Highlands, Isaac, and Barcaldine council areas reported locust activity in the past six weeks. Agriculture officials say that the situation could grow to plague proportions, pending certain precipitation and vegetation conditions. The management of locusts in Queensland is primarily the responsibility of landowners as part of their general biosecurity obligation. [Confidence: Very High]

Due to an anthrax outbreak, organizations in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Kabale, Uganda, should caution employees to avoid contact with animals in the region, ensure any water from nearby sources is boiled before consumption, and not to consume meat obtained from sick animals or animals that died suddenly. The US State Department lists the DRC under a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory and Uganda as a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory. Health officials in the DRC, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), are ramping up efforts to control an anthrax outbreak in North Kivu Pro...read morevince, with 16 suspected and 1 confirmed human case. 1 death was reported. So far, the outbreak has impacted 4 health zones around Lake Edward, along the border of the DRC and Uganda, and is linked to 7 cases in Uganda’s Kabale District. Response efforts, including surveillance, investigation, medical treatment, and livestock vaccination, are ongoing. WHO is facilitating cross-border coordination between the DRC and Uganda to enhance the outbreak response. See PHC alerts 4/30, 4/28, and 4/09. [Confidence: Very High]

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 should contingency plan for price volatility. PHC recommends that continuity plans be reviewed and updated in preparation for high-consequence infectious disease threats. South Dakota detected HPAI in a commercial table egg layer facility in Aurora County, affecting 700,000 birds. This was the 2nd HPAI detection in the ...read morestate in April after over 33,000 birds were culled in Beadle County (see PHC alert on 4/10). [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 continues to see a surge of new mpox cases, with a total of 1,052 confirmed cases and 9 deaths since the start of the outbreak in Jan 202...read more5. Cases were reported in 10 of 16 districts so far, with most occurring in the Western Urban and Western Rural Districts. Clade 2b was previously sequenced from cases. See PHC alerts on 4/28, 3/27, 3/13, 2/3, and 1/14 for earlier info. [Confidence: Very High]

No human-to-human spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 has been identified. Organizations should follow the recommendations provided in the PHC analysis on 2/13 and 1/10, including lowering barriers to seasonal flu vaccines for their employees. Idaho reported 15 new confirmed HPAI detections in cattle herds on 4/30. Detections in the state are on the rise, with 40 detections in the past 30 da...read moreys. 57 facilities are currently under quarantine in Cassia, Gooding, Jerome, and Twin Falls Counties. Since the outbreak in dairy cattle started in March 2024, Idaho reported the 2nd most HPAI detections in dairy herds per state, after California (765 affected herds). Detections slowed in California and nationally in recent months, but the spike in Idaho may indicate a changing trend. The US has detected HPAI in 1,047 cattle herds in 17 states. [Confidence: Very High]

Organizations in Buenos Aires, Argentina, should encourage employees to seek treatment if they develop gastrointestinal symptoms. Organizations should ensure access to clean water, and employees should avoid consuming undercooked food. Argentina reported an outbreak of febrile and gastrointestinal symptoms affecting 10 people from Buenos Aires, with 2 cases testing positive for Salmo...read morenella typhi (typhoid fever). One person died. The outbreak, which began in March, continues into April. Health officials are tracing close contacts and potential contamination sources, including testing water supplies from a building where some cases may have been exposed. [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. Organizations in Virginia should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. Virginia reported 207 cases of whooping cough this year, up from 78 cases at this time last year. Cases are affecting all age groups. In 2024, 778 cas...read morees were reported, compared to 130 in 2023. The increase in whooping cough cases is attributed to declining vaccination rates and waning natural immunity. Health officials advised the public to review their vaccination status and to get vaccinated. [Confidence: Very High]

Deaths from influenza are a reminder that the illness can be severe or fatal. Organizations in Alberta, Canada, should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. Alberta reported 193 influenza deaths, 3,316 hospitalizations, and 275 intensive care admissions during the 2024-2025 season so far. This season's inf...read moreluenza death toll was the highest in the past 16 years. Of the hospitalizations, 75% were in individuals aged 50 and older. While weekly case counts are falling, 172 people remain hospitalized, with 9 in intensive care. Declining flu vaccination rates likely contributed to the severe season, dropping to 21% from 37% during the COVID-19 pandemic and 31% in the pre-pandemic 2018-19 season. Health officials also noted increased circulation of both H1N1 and H3N2 strains, with H3N2 particularly affecting older adults. [Confidence: Very High]

Organizations in Indiana with employees working outdoors in grassy or wooded areas should remind them that tick bite prevention is important for minimizing exposure risk. Indiana reported a fatal case of ehrlichiosis in a Floyd County resident this month. Ehrlichiosis is a tick-borne bacterial infection, causing symptom...read mores such as fever, chills, headache, and muscle aches. Health officials advised the public to prevent tick bites and reduce the risk of ehrlichiosis and other tick-borne diseases by using insect repellent and carefully checking and removing ticks from clothing, gear, pets, and skin. [Confidence: Very High]

The polio vaccine is more than 99% effective in preventing poliovirus infection. The US State Department lists Afghanistan under a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory. Afghanistan reported its 2nd wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) case of 2025 last week. The case was detected in Hilmand. A WPV1-positive environmental sample was also reported in Kandahar. [Confidence: Very High]

Organizations in Nassau County, New York, that used Jersey Mike’s Subs for catering or event services may wish to notify employees of this hepatitis A exposure. Employees who ate food at the restaurant and are not vaccinated against hepatitis A or who experience gastrointestinal symptoms should consult with a healthcare provider. Nassau County health officials confirmed a hepatitis A case in a restaurant worker at Jersey Mike’s Subs in Oceanside. Those who ate or drank at the...read more restaurant from 4/5-4/19 may have been exposed and should monitor for hepatitis A symptoms for the next 50 days from their exposure date. The hepatitis A vaccine is over 95% effective in preventing disease in people who have received two shots. Postexposure vaccination is also available up to 14 days after exposure. [Confidence: Very High]

Plague occurs in wildlife throughout areas of the western US, but human and pet cases are rare. Avoiding contact with wildlife is a best practice for organizations with employees who work outside. New Mexico confirmed the 1st animal plague case in Santa Fe County for 2025, involving a dog. Pets can contract the plague from infected flea bites or...read more by eating infected animals. Humans can also get it through flea bites or direct contact with infected animals. No human cases were reported. With prompt diagnosis and treatment, the risk of death in both people and pets is significantly reduced. [Confidence: Very High]

Yellow fever is endemic in the Amazon regions of South America, though this year, cases have spread outside of traditionally endemic areas. Employees traveling to yellow fever-risk areas in the Americas 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. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued another yellow fever health alert (see PHC alert 3/28). So far this year, 189 confirmed human cases...read more of yellow fever were reported, of which 74 cases were fatal. 4 countries reported cases: Brazil (102 cases, 41 deaths), Colombia (53 cases, 21 deaths), Peru (32 cases, 11 deaths), and Bolivia (2 cases, 1 death). Cases are declining in Brazil, but remain elevated in Colombia. This alert follows the US CDC's updated travel advisory for South America and Colombia's recent declaration of a state of emergency (PHC alert 4/17 and 4/15). The Ministry of Health in Ecuador also reported its 1st yellow fever case this year in Zamora Chinchipe. [Confidence: Very High]

Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) cases have increased in Australia, but annual cases remain below pre-pandemic levels. Organizations with employees traveling to or working in Australia should provide flexible work schedules to allow for vaccination of themselves or family members if not already vaccinated. Western Australia reported 4 new IMD cases in the past week, totaling 5 cases in 2025 so far. At least 3 cases were serogroup B. 2 cases were children...read more in the same household, and the other 2 adult cases were unrelated to each other or other cases. In 2024, the state reported 13 IMD cases, including 1 death. Health officials stated that the MenACWY vaccine is available to all children starting at 12 months for free, while Aboriginal children can access the vaccine at 6 weeks old, given the higher rate of disease in this population. A catch-up program is available for children aged 15-19 years for free as well. [Confidence: Very High]

The civil unrest and limited healthcare infrastructure in Afghanistan will increase the risk of infectious disease outbreaks, including the potential for cross-border spread into neighboring countries. The US State Department lists Afghanistan under a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory. The World Health Organization reported 31,818 suspected measles cases and 208 deaths in Afghanistan so far this year. There has been a steady increase...read more in cases since the beginning of 2025, and cases are higher than the 3-year average (2022-2024). Additionally, a total of 71 suspected cases and 2 deaths of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) were reported. Cases of CCHF have remained stable since the start of 2025. Additional updates on other diseases can be found in the source link. [Confidence: Very High]

For informational purposes only. Organizations in Nevada should review their workplace policies to protect workers from heat-related illnesses. This includes reviewing and preparing for compliance with Nevada's new heat regulation before enforcement begins. The Nevada Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Nevada OSHA) announced it will fully enforce the state's new Heat Regulation starting 4/29. ...read moreBusinesses with over 10 employees must conduct a job hazard analysis, create a written safety program that includes water, rest breaks, cooling methods, and emergency procedures, and train workers to recognize and prevent heat illness. This regulation aims to protect workers as temperatures rise across Nevada. [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. The Africa CDC reported 2 new mpox cases in Malawi in the past week, totaling 4 confirmed cases in Lilongwe and Mangochi Districts. The 4 individuals ...read moredid not report recent travel history, suggesting ongoing undetected local transmission. Clade 1b was sequenced from cases. See PHC alert 4/21 for earlier info. [Confidence: Very High]

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 1 new case of wild poliovirus in an individual from District Torghar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This is the 2nd case from Khyber Pakhtunkh...read morewa and the 7th case for Pakistan. Pakistan is currently conducting a polio vaccination campaign from 4/21 to 4/27, aiming to reach 45.4 million children under the age of 5. See PHC alerts 4/15, 3/3, 2/28, 2/24, and 2/13 for earlier info. [Confidence: Very High]

Zimbabwe is prone to cholera outbreaks, particularly due to the lack of water and sanitation infrastructure. Organizations in Zimbabwe should ensure access to clean, potable water for drinking and washing, and encourage employees to seek treatment if they develop gastrointestinal symptoms. Zimbabwe media sources confirmed a cholera outbreak in Gwanda District, Matabeleland South Province, after 3 cases and 1 death were reported. The poor...read more water, sanitation, and hygiene conditions in the district likely contributed to the local transmission, with importation of the disease unlikely. The province typically reports sporadic and seasonal cholera outbreaks, though a widespread cholera outbreak is ongoing in several provinces across Zimbabwe (see PHC alerts 3/20 & 3/17). [Confidence: Very High]

Informational update only. Media sources reported that a Quebec health department spokesperson announced the end of the measles outbreak after 32 days without new cases since 3/...read more18. Quebec reported 40 measles cases linked to the outbreak that started in Dec 2024, with 32 cases reported in the Laurentians region north of Montreal. As of 4/23, Quebec's website lists the outbreak as still active. [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. Organizations that are sensitive to egg and poultry prices should have a contingency plan for continued price volatility. 30,564,800 table egg layer birds were depopulated in the United States due to HPAI so far in 2025. The number of culled birds declined from the peak o...read morebserved in Jan, and correspondingly, the national negotiated loose egg price began to stabilize at the end of March. In the most recent data, overall demand for shell eggs was lower during the Easter holiday period than in recent years, as prices have not reached levels conducive to holiday-demand spending. [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. 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. Businesses in Queensland should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. Queensland, Australia, detected JE in a pig in the Banana Shire region. This was the 1st time JE was detected in a pig in Central Queensland, suggesti...read moreng mosquito populations are likely spreading the virus further across the state. Piggeries in southeastern regions of the state detected JE earlier this year (see PHC alert 3/7). Health officials urged the public to get vaccinated after the state reported 3 human cases, including 1 probable death (see PHC alert 4/2). [Confidence: Very High]

Legionnaires’ disease spreads through inhaling aerosolized contaminated water from sources like cooling towers, pools/hot tubs, showers, or fountains. Employees working in or visiting Sydney, Australia should seek medical attention if symptoms appear. Organizations that own or manage buildings in Sydney 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. New South Wales issued an updated health alert for Legionnaires’ disease (see PHC alert 4/11). Cases of Legionnaires’ disease increased from 5 to ...read more12 confirmed cases in people who spent time in Sydney’s central business district and adjacent suburbs between 3/13 and 4/5. 11 of 12 cases were hospitalized, and 1 person died. The source of the exposure remains unidentified, and health officials are investigating potential causes, including inspecting and testing over 165 cooling towers. [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. Organizations in Bogota, Colombia should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. Bogota's Health Secretary published a social media post urging the public to vaccinate children under the age of 5 and pregnant women (starting from w...read moreeek 20) against whooping cough. Bogota reported 107 confirmed and 390 probable whooping cough cases so far this year, compared to the 11 cases confirmed during all of 2024. Earlier this year, the region confirmed an infant whooping cough-related death (see PHC alert 3/3). Nationally, 1,248 probable and 228 confirmed cases were reported so far this year. Other countries in the Americas region also issued alerts for elevated whooping cough activity (see PHC alerts 4/14, 4/9). [Confidence: Very High]

Samoa frequently reports cases of dengue-like illness. Dengue is likely underreported, though there was a widespread outbreak in the country from 2023-24. Organizations in Samoa 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. Samoa's Ministry of Health declared a dengue outbreak this week after a surge in suspected and confirmed cases in the past 2 weeks, particularly in Up...read moreolu. 15 confirmed cases were reported since the start of the year, of which 9 were reported in the last 2 weeks. 1 death was reported. [Confidence: Very High]

The rapid banning of meat and dairy products is a reminder of the economic impacts of foot and mouth disease (FMD) at a country-wide level. Organizations traveling to the United Kingdom (UK) from other European Union (EU) countries should inform their employees about the ban on bringing personal meat and dairy products into the country. Due to rising FMD in Europe, the UK extended its ban on personal imports of meat (cattle, sheep, goat, and pig) and dairy products from all EU countri...read morees. Effective as of 4/12, this ban prohibits travelers from bringing in items like sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats, or milk, even if packaged or bought duty-free, to protect the UK food system and farmers. [Confidence: Very High]

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 should contingency plan for price volatility. PHC recommends that continuity plans be reviewed and updated in preparation for high consequence infectious disease threats. Darke County, Ohio detected HPAI at a commercial table egg layer facility, affecting 292,000 birds. This detection ends a short lull in avian influenz...read morea detections in the county. The last detection confirmed in Darke County was in Feb when over 3 million birds were culled at a commercial table egg layer facility and a state of emergency was declared (see PHC alert 2/20). Ohio has been hard-hit by avian influenza outbreaks at commercial poultry facilities, particularly in Darke County (see PHC 3/21 and 1/28). [Confidence: Very High]

Organizations should 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. California reported that 4 dead birds tested positive for West Nile virus in Alameda and Santa Clara Counties, an early indicator that the virus is ci...read morerculating. No human cases have been reported in the state so far this year. With rising temperatures increasing time spent outside, California residents were advised to protect themselves from mosquito bites both at home and when traveling.[Confidence: Very High]

Poland is the 3rd largest exporter of poultry meat globally, exporting $4.01 billion in 2023. Its primary markets are Germany, the United Kingdom, and France. If an export ban were implemented by the European Commission (EC), organizations in Europe could see increased costs of poultry meat, eggs, or other poultry products. PHC will monitor and update as appropriate. Poland detected avian influenza in 78 commercial flocks in 9 provinces since the start of 2025 with H5N1 sequenced in some of the recent outbreaks. Of...read more the countries in the European Union, Poland has reported the most outbreaks, mostly in Wielkopolskie and Mazowieckie Provinces. Polish government officials are in negotiations with the EC to discuss emergency measures to control further spread. The EC assessed the current avian influenza situation in Poland as "unstable and risky." Poland says that the restrictions proposed by the EC could affect areas that comprise 50% of the Polish production potential. Media sources cite poultry export and transport bans and buffer zones as some of the measures under consideration. [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. Organizations in Mexico should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. Mexico issued another whooping cough alert for the increase in cases this year, following an earlier alert released in March (see PHC alert 3/4). This...read more year, 37 deaths and 2,549 probable cases were reported across 14 states so far. Of those cases, 696 were confirmed, compared to 463 confirmed cases for all of 2024. Aguascalientes, Chihuahua, Mexico City, and Nuevo Leon states had the highest incidence rates. Officials called for heightened surveillance, particularly of hospitalized children under the age of 1, and intensification of vaccination uptake in high-risk municipalities. [Confidence: Very High]

Dengue is endemic in Fiji, with cases highest between Oct - April, but cases are higher than usual this year. Organizations 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. Fiji's Ministry of Health declared a dengue outbreak for the Central Division on 4/11. The Central Division reported 1,090 confirmed cases from the st...read moreart of 2025 to mid-March, exceeding the outbreak threshold. Cases and hospital admissions surged in the past 3 weeks in Navau, Suva, Rewa, Tailevu, and Naitasiri. Fiji previously declared an outbreak for the Western Division, but cases have started to decline there (see PHC alert 4/2, 2/4). Additionally, at least 2 deaths due to dengue were confirmed - 1 in the Northern Division and 1 in the Western Division in Ba (see PHC alert 3/27). [Confidence: Very High]

Saudi Arabia issues health requirements for the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, including MenACWY vaccination to protect against invasive meningococcal disease (IMD). However, authorities estimate only 54% of international Umrah pilgrims complied with meningococcal vaccination requirements this year. If traveling to or working in Saudi Arabia, organizations should provide flexible work schedules to allow for vaccination of themselves or family members if not already vaccinated. Umrah and Hajj pilgrims should receive vaccination at least 10 days prior to travel. Enhanced screening is conducted at Saudi Arabia's points of entry during Hajj and Umrah seasons and may lead to travel delays. Saudi Arabia confirmed 11 IMD cases in individuals performing Umrah from Jan to March. The individuals were all unvaccinated and were from WHO Eastern...read more Mediterranean and South-East Asia Region countries. Additionally, the WHO received reports of 6 additional IMD cases in individuals who were diagnosed in their home countries in following Umrah. Many participating Hajj and Umrah pilgrims come from countries that are hyperendemic for meningococcal disease, like the meningitis belt countries, making these mass gathering events high risk for outbreaks. [Confidence: Very High]

Influenza-related deaths are a reminder that the illness can be severe or fatal. Organizations should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. North Carolina health officials announced that the state recorded the highest number of influenza deaths in a respiratory virus season this year since...read more 2009. 503 deaths were reported for the 2024-2025 season, of which 5 were pediatric deaths. Since the peak in Feb, influenza activity, including deaths, declined. Nationally, the 2024-25 influenza season was the 1st high severity season since 2017-18. [Confidence: Very High]

Legionnaires’ disease spreads through inhaling aerosolized contaminated water from sources like cooling towers, pools/hot tubs, showers, or fountains. Employees working in or visiting Sydney, Australia should seek medical attention if symptoms appear. Organizations that own or manage buildings in Sydney 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. New South Wales issued a health alert for Legionnaires’ disease following 5 reported cases, all involving individuals who had visited Sydney’s cen...read moretral business district. The source of the exposure has not yet been identified, and health officials are actively investigating the situation to determine a possible source. Healthcare providers were advised to maintain a high level of suspicion for individuals showing signs of pneumonia and to collect samples for Legionnaires’ disease testing. [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. In this week's Africa CDC briefing, officials reported 5,538 suspected mpox cases and 37 deaths in Uganda since 2024. New cases increased in the most ...read morerecent week of data (247) compared to the previous week (190). Cases are spreading in slums, semi-urban, and urban cities. Uganda accounted for 50% of cases from Africa in the last 6 weeks. 100,000 vaccine doses were delivered to the country, and 20,000 individuals were vaccinated in a single week. See PHC alerts on 4/4, 3/19, 3/13, 3/6, and 3/3 for earlier info. [Confidence: Very High]

Malaria is endemic in South Korea, with June to October being the main period of mosquito vector activity and increased risk for infection. Organizations in South Korea 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. South Korea reported its first 2 malaria cases in recently discharged soldiers from Paju and Cheorwon. The country averages 600 cases annually, with a...read moreround 20% in active or former soldiers. Veterans showing symptoms can receive free rapid tests at public health centers for two years post-discharge, while military hospitals offer free tests and treatment for one year. South Korea, in partnership with the World Health Organization and Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, aims to eliminate malaria by 2030. [Confidence: Very High]