Building the Future of Biodefense

Recommendation: Dengue is endemic in Peru, and the peak season occurs between November and May. 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.

Situation: Peru issued a national epidemiological alert after regional increases in dengue cases linked to the rainy season and higher temperatures. Up to week 52 of 2025, 39,028 cases of dengue and 54 deaths have been reported nationwide, with the regions of San Martín, Loreto, Amazonas, Junín, Ucayali, Madre de Dios, Cajamarca, and Tumbes exceeding the national cumulative incidence. Of the 3,760 serotyped cases, the most frequent serotype was DENV-3 (47.2%), followed by serotype DENV-1 (29.7%) and serotype DENV-2 (23.2%). Multiple circulating serotypes increase the risk of reinfection and severe dengue. Health authorities announced measures to strengthen surveillance, vector control, and early clinical response in multiple high-risk regions to prevent further spread and reduce complications. [Confidence: Very High]

Recommendation: Organizations in Laredo County, Texas, 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: Texas reported a measles virus detection in wastewater in Laredo County. The detection suggests that at least 1 individual in the community or traveling through the community around that time was infectious with measles. No measles cases have been confirmed in the county at this time. [Confidence: Very High]

Recommendation: Informational update only. Mass gatherings can increase disease spread, especially with multiple diseases surging globally.

Situation: Health officials from Ontario, Canada, released a Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment for infectious diseases ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Games in Toronto. 6 FIFA World Cup matches will be held in the city from 6/12 to 7/2. The event is expected to draw many visitors from around the world, as the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar drew over 1 million spectators. The document assessed the potential likelihood and impact of infectious disease hazards in the city during the games. Measles, food and waterborne diseases, and COVID-19 threats were categorized as a Moderate risk, with all other evaluated infectious disease risks categorized as Low. The likelihood of a measles threat was deemed Likely with a potential for a Major impact, while food and waterborne diseases were deemed Very Likely with potential for a Moderate impact, and COVID-19 was deemed Likely with potential for a Moderate impact. [Confidence: Very High]

Recommendation: Leptospirosis is rare in California. Leptospirosis can be severe but is treatable. Organizations in Berkeley should take measures to provide access to clean water and ensure facilities are free of rodents and other animal pests. Any animal urine should be cleaned with bleach; wet the soiled area with bleach before wiping up. Employees should always wear gloves when handling animals or their urine.

Situation: The City of Berkeley advised the public that numerous rats and at least 2 dogs in and near Harrison Street encampments tested positive for leptospirosis in November and December 2025, making the encampment area unsafe. While no human cases have been reported yet, officials urged encampment residents to relocate at least 1/3 of a mile away and disinfect any belongings exposed to mud or standing water as a precaution. The surrounding neighborhood was also encouraged to prevent rat infestations in and around their homes and businesses. Officials are conducting outreach at the encampment, posting notices, and taking steps to mitigate the leptospirosis risk associated with the rat population. [Confidence: Very High]