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Biothreat intelligence to deter and detect natural, accidental, deliberate and novel biological agents.
WATCH
Measles outbreak in South Carolina spreads to North Carolina
01/02/2026
North Carolina, Polk CountySouth Carolina, Spartanburg CountyUnited States of America, South Carolina
Recommendation: Organizations in North Carolina should inform employees about the possible measles exposures 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 Carolina confirmed a measles case in Polk County this week, the 2nd case in the state of 2025. The child recently visited locations in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, where a large measles outbreak is ongoing. This detection is believed to be the first reported instance of spread from the South Carolina outbreak to another state. 185 measles cases have been reported in South Carolina's Upstate outbreak since the outbreak was declared in early October. North Carolina health officials announced potential measles exposure locations at Polk Central Elementary (12/18) and Mercy Urgent Care Foothills (12/23). Exposed individuals should monitor for measles symptoms (7-21 days from exposure). [Confidence: Very High]
ADVISORY
Madagascar confirms its 1st ever mpox cases
01/02/2026
Madagascar, Boeny Region
Recommendation: 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.
Situation: Madagascar confirmed its 1st ever mpox cases this week. 16 suspected cases were reported in Mahajanga, of which 5 were confirmed. A response plan was initiated, which included strengthened health checks at points of entry in ports and airports, according to media sources. [Confidence: Very High]
WATCH
Public measles exposures in Contra Costa County, California
12/30/2025
California, Contra Costa County
Recommendation: Organizations in the Bay Area should inform employees about the potential measles exposure and provide flexible work schedules to support employees who need to make vaccine appointments for themselves or their family members. Measles is highly contagious and can quickly spread among unvaccinated individuals in a work environment. Per Contra Costa Health, the majority of county residents are fully vaccinated. Exposed individuals should monitor for measles symptoms (7-21 days from exposure).
Situation: An individual was contagious with the measles in public settings in Walnut Creek and Lafayette from 12/17 to 12/24. Exposures may have occurred at stores in a Walnut Creek shopping center from 12/17 to 12/19, at STAT Med in Lafayette on 12/21, and in the Kaiser Permanente ED in Walnut Creek 12/23 to 12/24. See Contra Costa Health press release for more information on specific stores where the exposure may have occurred. [Confidence: Very High]
WATCH
Infected individual may have exposed the public to measles at Newark Liberty International Airport
12/29/2025
United States of America, New Jersey
Recommendation: Organizations in New Jersey should inform employees about the potential measles exposure and provide flexible work schedules to support employees who need to make vaccine appointments for themselves or their family members. Measles is highly contagious and can quickly spread among unvaccinated individuals in a work environment.
Situation: New Jersey reported a new measles case in an out-of-state visitor who traveled through the Newark Liberty International Airport while infectious in Terminals B & C on 12/12. Health officials are conducting ongoing contact tracing and notifying people who might have been exposed. Exposed individuals should monitor for measles symptoms (7-21 days from exposure). [Confidence: Very High]
ADVISORY
South Korea's Naju City cancels all outdoor events during the holiday period in emergency measures to protect its duck industry from avian influenza
12/24/2025
South Korea, Jeollanam-do
Recommendation: The primary impact of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in commercial flocks is the increased cost of eggs or poultry products when outbreaks become more widespread. Organizations sensitive to egg and poultry prices should have a contingency plan for price volatility. PHC recommends that continuity plans be reviewed and updated in preparation for high-consequence infectious disease threats.
Situation: Health officials in Naju City, South Korea, announced extensive new measures to prevent further spread of avian influenza. Naju City is the largest duck producer in the country, and the city has maintained a livestock infectious disease-free zone for the past 2 years, before several recent HPAI outbreaks in duck farms threatened the industry. As a result, officials announced the cancellation of all outdoor events, including livestock and non-livestock related events, during the year-end and New Year's holidays, including the Geumseongsan Sunrise Event on 1/1, to prevent further spread of the disease to other farms. Avian influenza could spread across farms through contamination from vehicles or boots. Surveillance, disinfection, quarantine, and movement restrictions were all intensified as well. The city also recommended that local organizations and social groups cancel any large-scale outdoor events. Officials stated that they believe the risk of HPAI infectivity and HPAI outbreaks is 10 and 20 times higher, respectively, due to the early and increased presence of infected migratory wild birds. [Confidence: Very High]
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