In a follow-up on the measles outbreak in Sweden, no new cases of measles linked to the Urkult festival in Västernorrland have been reported in Sweden since the last update on September 9.

The outbreak has been declared over as of October 14. A total of 40 cases were reported in the outbreak.

In 28 cases, the spread of infection occurred during the Urkult festival. 12 people are considered to have been infected after contact with a person who was infected at the festival.

The majority of the cases are school-age children and young adults. Most of the cases have been unvaccinated against measles.

The cases have been reported from ten regions: Gotland (4 cases), Jämtland Härjedalen (6 cases), Skåne (2 cases), Stockholm (12 cases), Sörmland (3 cases), Uppsala (1 case), Värmland (2 cases), Västerbotten (7 cases), Västernorrland (2 cases) and Västra Götaland (1 case). One case has been reported from Finland.

The regions’ infection tracing of the outbreak cases showed that the source of the outbreak was infected abroad.

The Madagascar Ministry of Health recently reported plague cases in South Midongy state.

Health officials report three cases of pneumonic plague, Test results are still pending on other suspected cases, which are suspected as being bubonic plague.

Officials report the health of all patients are improving with treatment.

No new cases have been reported since October 12 in Midongy state.

Plague is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium, Yersinia pestis. It is found in animals throughout the world, most commonly rats but other rodents like ground squirrels, prairie dogs, chipmunks, rabbits and marmots. Fleas typically serve as the vector for plague.

Plague Doctor Mask

People can also get infected through direct contact with an infected animal, through inhalation and in the case of pneumonic plague, person to person.

Yersinia pestis is treatable with antibiotics if started early enough.

There are three forms of human plague; bubonic, septicemic and pneumonic.

Plague is endemic on the Plateaux of Madagascar. A seasonal upsurge, predominantly of the bubonic form, usually occurs yearly between September and April.

Interview with New Mexico State Public Health Veterinarian, Paul Ettestad, DVM about plague

According to the general secretary of the Madagascar Ministry of Health, between 300 and 600 suspected cases are reported each year, with about 30 cases of pulmonary plague and 10 to 70 deaths.

As of October 14, 2026, the Democratic Republic of the Congo Ministry of Health reports 65 new confirmed cases of Ebola virus disease (EVD) have been reported across four provinces: Ituri (31 cases), North Kivu (28 cases), Haut-Uélé (5 cases), and Tshopo (1 case).

Additionally, 15 deaths were recorded in Ebola Treatment Centers (ETCs)—6 in Ituri, 6 in North Kivu, 2 in Tshopo, and 1 in Haut-Uélé—bringing the total number of confirmed deaths for the period in question to 37.

Furthermore, 38 patients (18 in Ituri, 15 in North Kivu, and 5 in Haut-Uélé) have been declared recovered after testing negative twice for EVD.

Since the beginning of the outbreak, the DRC has recorded a cumulative total of 9,277 confirmed cases and 4,478 deaths, representing a case fatality rate of 48.3%. Ituri remains the epicenter of the outbreak, accounting for 73.4% of all cumulative confirmed cases and 47.7% of the new confirmed cases reported over the last 24 hours.

To date, 65 out of 167 health zones (38.9%), spread across seven provinces, have been affected since the start of the outbreak.

The 2026 Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the country’s 17th recorded Ebola outbreak and its largest and deadliest to date. It is also the second-largest Ebola outbreak in global history (after the 2014–2016 West Africa epidemic). Caused by Bundibugyo virus (BDBV), for which there is no licensed vaccine or specific treatment, it has expanded rapidly amid insecurity, high population mobility, and challenges with surveillance and community engagement.

In a follow-up on the Ebola situation in Kenya, the Ministry of Health has confirmed a third case of Ebola (Bundibugyo virus disease) in Kenya. The patient was already in quarantine, and there is no evidence of community transmission.

See press release signed by Dr. Patrick Amoth:

In the North African country of Morocco, the country’s Ministry of Health reported a small diphtheria outbreak with clusters in multiple regions in Morocco in late September.

Moroccan health teams are tracing contacts and providing preventive treatment and vaccines.

This has prompted the US Embassy to issue a health alert for U.S. citizens in Morocco.

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection. It spreads primarily from person to person through coughs and sneezes (respiratory droplets).

Most Americans were vaccinated as children and have received Td or TdaP boosters as adults. The risk to U.S. citizens in Morocco remains low. U.S. Citizens may contact their local doctors if they would like immunizations.

Embassy officials advise citizens to watch out for the following symptoms:

Sore throat or hoarse voice, mild fever, a thick gray or white coating in the throat or nose, swollen neck and trouble swallowing or breathing.

If you or a family member has trouble breathing or swallowing, please contact your local doctor.

They also advise on the following actions concerning vaccines:

• Check your vaccination records and your family members’ records.

• Get a booster if you need one. Adults need a diphtheria booster (Td or Tdap) every 10 years.

• Make sure your children are up to date on their routine vaccines.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) say the continent is experiencing its most intense West Nile virus (WNV) season to date and detections of the virus in new areas further north in Europe.

As of 7 October 2026, European Union (EU) countries have reported 1,715 locally acquired human cases of WNV infection, the highest number ever reported. Italy remains the most affected country, with 748 cases reported. Greece and France reported their highest numbers of human cases of WNV infection ever.

WNV is expanding into new areas of Europe. The Netherlands has reported 59 human cases so far this year. Belgium has reported 15 cases, the first locally acquired human infections ever recorded in the country.

Despite the record number of reported cases, there is currently no indication of increased severity this year. The proportions of reported cases who have been hospitalised, developed neurological symptoms or died remain below the levels observed over the previous decade. So far this season, 130 people have died.

“West Nile virus is a clear example of why a cross-sector approach is essential,” Céline Gossner, senior expert at ECDC, said in a statement.

“The virus circulates between mosquitoes and birds and can cause disease in people and horses, so no single sector can address the risk alone,” she added.

The Florida Department of Health reported 72 additional locally acquired dengue fever cases during the week ending October 10, bringing the total this year to date to 368.

The cases are reported on the following eight counties: Broward, Hillsborough (310), Miami-Dade (9), Orange (5), Palm Beach, Pasco (4), Pinellas (37), and Polk.

Of the 343 cases have been serotyped by PCR, 341 have typed as dengue virus-2.

Health officials also reported 26 additional travel associated cases, bringing this total to 288.

Counties reporting cases were: Alachua, Bay, Brevard (2), Broward (20), Collier (4), Duval (2), Hendry, Hillsborough (15), Lake, Lee (13), Manatee (2), Marion, Miami-Dade (182), Monroe, Orange (7), Osceola (3), Palm Beach (13), Pasco, Pinellas (2), Polk (4), Sarasota, Seminole (3), St. Johns, St. Lucie (6), and Walton. Six cases were reported in non-Florida residents.

As the Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit continue to monitor dengue incidence in Northern Samar, reporting a rise in dengue cases to the Provincial Health Board (PHB), PHB Chair and Governor Harris Ongchuan, directed the strengthening of dengue prevention, surveillance, and vector-control efforts in the province.

On its latest Epidemiology and Surveillance System Updates yesterday during the PHB Meeting, Mr. Nick Andrew Cardenas of the Department of Health Northern Samar reported 966 dengue cases in the province in 2026, or double compared to the 447 cases in 2025. A significant increase was observed between the first week of July and third to fourth week of September, with the province recording as many as 111 cases in a single week. The report highlighted the need for early consultation and timely medical intervention as key factors in preventing severe outcomes and reducing dengue-related mortality.

The Provincial Government and the Provincial Health Board noted 5 municipalities with the highest number of dengue cases in the province:

• Lavezares – 197 cases

• Catarman – 163 cases

• Allen – 130 cases

• Laoang – 100 cases

• San Antonio – 70 cases

Other municipalities in the province also recorded cases, but of lesser number, the DOH pointed out.

Noting this concern, the Governor strongly backed the recommendation of local health officials to implement crucial measures:

• Mobilize communities for aggressive search-and-destroy activities to eliminate areas where dengue-carrying mosquitoes may breed;

• Implement combined vector-control measures in areas with confirmed dengue cases, including fogging or misting following the 1-3-7 strategy;

• Conduct targeted indoor residual spraying (tirs and tors) in identified areas;

• Intensify awareness campaigns and larval surveys to increase public awareness and identify potential mosquito breeding sites; and

• Strengthen municipal and provincial epidemiology and surveillance systems to ensure early detection, monitoring, reporting, and timely response to dengue cases.

Governor Ongchuan also called on Nortehanons to take active role in dengue prevention and control. Local health authorities also sought the help of communities by regularly inspecting their surroundings, eliminate stagnant water and other potential mosquito breeding sites, and seek immediate medical attention when symptoms of dengue occur.

By strengthening government response and active community participation, the Provincial Government, along with the Provincial Health Board, seeks to continuously protect the health and well-being of Nortehanons and prevent the further spread of dengue in Northern Samar.

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The Kenya Ministry of Health has confirmed a second case of Ebola (Bundibugyo virus disease), 10 days after a 40-year-old man died from the virus following travel from the Democratic Republic of the Congo through Uganda.

Both cases are linked - The new patient, a 39-year-old close relative of the first victim, was already in quarantine when he developed symptoms. There is no evidence of spread in the wider community.

Ebola outbreak update as of October 12

According to the Democratic Republic of the Congo Ministry of Health, over the last 24 hours, 79 new confirmed cases of Ebola virus disease (EVD) have been reported across four provinces: Ituri (40 cases), North Kivu (27 cases), Haut-Uélé (8 cases), and Tshopo (4 cases).

In addition, 11 deaths were recorded in Ebola Treatment Centers (ETCs)—8 in Ituri and 3 in North Kivu—bringing the total number of confirmed deaths for the period in question to 29.

Emerging Infectious Diseases and Global Health Security

Furthermore, 29 patients (13 in Ituri, 13 in North Kivu, 2 in Haut-Uélé, and 1 in Tshopo) have been declared recovered after testing negative twice for EVD.

Since the beginning of the outbreak, the DRC has recorded a cumulative total of 9,144 confirmed cases and 4,410 deaths, representing a case fatality rate of 48.2%. Ituri remains the epicenter of the outbreak, accounting for 73.6% of all cumulative confirmed cases and 50.6% of the new confirmed cases reported over the last 24 hours.

Since the start of the epidemic, 65 out of 167 health zones (38.9%), spread across seven provinces, have been affected.

State health officials reported 86 additional confirmed measles cases since Friday, bringing the total cases to 1,222 in 42 counties.

225 hospitalizations have been recorded.

The Franklin County Coroner’s Office reported an additional measles-related death, the sixth of the year; however, the Pennsylvania DOH is only acknowledging 5 on the website.

Measles and Immune Amnesia

They state: DOH continues investigating a recently reported death in Franklin County. To be considered measles-associated, DOH’s epidemiological definition must meet the following criteria:

· Death must occur within 30 days of symptom onset in an individual with clinical evidence of a measles infection and a positive laboratory test

· Death must not be due to unrelated causes (e.g., motor vehicle accident)

· Additional information, such as whether an individual was exposed to a confirmed measles case prior to death or supporting medical records, are also considered.

In order for a case to be classified as a measles-associated death, all criteria need to be met (e.g., symptoms plus a positive laboratory test). Additionally, a death occurring more than 30 days after symptom onset would not be counted.

Mato Grosso do Sul reached 10,676 confirmed cases of chikungunya in 2026, with 31 deaths registered from the disease. The data is included in the bulletin of the 39th epidemiological week, released this Tuesday by the State Health Department (SES). In total, there are 12,275 probable cases, in addition to 122 pregnant women who had the infection confirmed.

Deaths from chikungunya occurred in Dourados, Bonito, Jardim, Fátima do Sul, Douradina, Guia Lopes da Laguna, Itaporã, Ponta Porã, Nioaque, and Corumbá. Among the 31 victims, 20 had some type of comorbidity, while two other deaths remain under investigation by health authorities.

The Panama Ministry of Health (Minsa), through the Department of Epidemiology, reported that through the week of September 20 to 26, 2026, 9,679 accumulated cases of dengue have been registered nationwide.

Compared to the same period in 2025, when 12,101 cases were recorded, this figure represents a 20.0% decrease in dengue cases nationwide.

Given this trend, health authorities reiterate their call to the public not to let their guard down and to maintain preventive measures, especially the permanent elimination of breeding grounds for the Aedes aegypti mosquito , the main transmitter of dengue fever.

the Colón Health Region leads the list with 2,329 cases, followed by Metropolitan with 2,291; Chiriquí with 1,118; Panama West with 922; San Miguelito with 773; Panama North with 638; Bocas del Toro with 502; Panama East with 454; Herrera with 261; Veraguas with 118; Los Santos with 85; Ngäbe-Buglé region with 63; Coclé with 52; Guna Yala region with 42 and Darién with 31.

A cumulative total of 20 deaths associated with dengue were reported.

These deaths correspond to Colón with 4 deaths, while Bocas del Toro, Los Santos and Chiriquí with three each; meanwhile the Metropolitan Region registers two cases, San Miguelito, Coclé, Panamá Norte, Panamá Oeste and Veraguas report one death each.

The Ministry of Health continues to intensify prevention and control operations throughout the country, with the support of the Vector Control team and Health Promotion strategies, aimed at reducing the transmission of dengue.

Health authorities emphasize that citizen participation is essential to maintaining the results achieved. Therefore, they recommend the ongoing elimination of containers and utensils that can collect water, both inside and around homes.

Likewise, proper treatment and protection of water storage containers must be ensured to prevent them from becoming breeding grounds for the Aedes aegypti mosquito.

The Ministry of Health emphasizes the importance of not letting our guard down, as prevention and control of breeding grounds must be maintained permanently.

Health officials in Orange County, Florida report two additional confirmed cases of locally-acquired dengue, bringing the total number of locally-acquired cases to five.

The Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange), in collaboration with Orange County Mosquito Control, continues to conduct surveillance and implement targeted prevention strategies within affected communities. Response efforts have been further strengthened through enhanced mosquito control measures, including the planned deployment of aerial spraying to help reduce mosquito populations within those affected communities.

Florida dengue fever cases near 300

DOH-Orange reminds the community to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by taking these basic precautions.

• Wear protective clothing to prevent mosquito bites. Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants.

• Apply insect repellents that are registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to exposed skin and clothing. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

• Control mosquitoes inside and outside. Repair damaged screening on windows, doors, porches, and patios. Drain water from discarded tires, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots, or any other containers where sprinkler or rainwater has collected. A single tire filled with water can create the opportunity for hundreds of mosquitoes to breed and multiply.

Dengue can present as a flu-like illness with severe muscle aches and joint pain, fever, and sometimes a rash. Usually, there are no respiratory symptoms. Symptoms of dengue will appear within 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Dengue fever is not contagious but is transmitted by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito.

Orange County Mosquito Control today announced that aerial spraying will take place in select areas of Orange County to reduce the mosquito population responsible for transmitting Dengue Fever. The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) has confirmed two additional locally acquired cases in the Apopka area, bringing the County’s total of new cases to five.

“We are planning to aerial spray over the next two to three weeks,” said Steve Harrison, manager of Orange County Mosquito Control. “We will be spraying in the Apopka and Pine Hills areas to kill the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is the known carrier of Dengue.”

Orange County will notify residents at least 48 hours before aerial spraying begins. Notifications will be shared through Orange County’s social media channels, the Orange County Mosquito Control website and OC Alert. Residents can sign up for OC Alert notifications through Orange County’s Smartphone Applications and Orange County’s Newsletters webpage.

According to Harrison, aerial spraying is expected to reduce the targeted mosquito population by 99%. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says very low volumes of EPA-approved insecticides for mosquito control can be used safely when applied according to established guidelines.

The Florida Department of Health confirmed Orange County’s first locally acquired Dengue case in the Pine Hills area on Sept. 2, prompting a Mosquito-borne Illness Advisory. On Sept. 18, two additional locally acquired cases were confirmed in the Apopka area, prompting the state to elevate the advisory to a Mosquito-borne Illness Alert. The two cases confirmed today bring the county’s total to five.

“It is very important for residents to ensure that there is no standing water on their property. We encourage residents to walk around their yards after a storm and drain any standing water, toss out anything that could hold water, and protect yourself with long sleeves, pants, and EPA-approved mosquito repellent,” said Harrison.

According to the Philippines Department of Health, from the beginning of the year through September 26, 3,435 dengue cases with 18 deaths were reported, representing a 42% decrease from 4,878 cases during the same period in 2025.

However, dengue-related deaths increased by 64%, from 11 to 18, with an increase observed beginning in July 2026.

Cases ranged from ages 0-94 years, with 15 being the median. More than half were males (53%).

Concerning deaths, the age range was 6-88 years, with 24 being the median age. Two-thrids, or 12 of the fatalities were in females.

Nationally, as of October 3, the Philippines has reported 186,005 total cases, with nearly 73,000 of the cases being confirmed. 707 deaths have been reported.

NSW Health is advising the public not to handle, or otherwise handle bats, following a recent increase in people being bitten or scratched across the state.

In the two weeks from 28 September to 10 October, 43 people were assessed by NSW Health after being bitten or scratched by bats. This includes in coastal areas in Hunter New England, the Mid North Coast, Northern NSW, and the Central Coast.

This is a significant increase when compared with 10 reported cases of bat bites or scratches for the same two-week period in 2025.

Keira Glasgow, Director in Health Protection at NSW Health, said, “We want people to assume that any bat could carry Australian bat lyssavirus, which is a close relative to the rabies virus and very dangerous to humans.”

“If you see a bat that is injured or in distress, call your local wildlife rescue service and do not touch it. Only trained, protected and vaccinated wildlife handlers should interact with bats.

“It is incredibly rare for Australian bat lyssavirus to transmit to humans, but once symptoms of lyssavirus start in people who are scratched or bitten by an infected bat, sadly there is no effective treatment.

“If you are bitten or scratched by a bat, urgent medical assessment is crucial.”

Rabies virus and Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) belong to a group of viruses called lyssaviruses. These viruses transmit via a bite from an infected ("rabid") animal. They all cause a similar illness known as rabies, which affects the central nervous system and is usually fatal.

Rabies and ABLV infection cause similar symptoms. The early symptoms are flu-like, including headache, fever and fatigue. The illness progresses rapidly to paralysis, delirium, convulsions and death, usually within a week or two. Rabies cases and the three known human cases of ABLV infection have shown a wide variability in the time it takes for symptoms to appear following exposure to an infected animal (from several days to several years).

The best way to protect yourself from infection is to not touch bats. If you see a bat in distress, injured or trapped on the ground, do not try to rescue it. Instead, contact trained experts.

Pennsylvania has now seen a sixth measles associated death in the state in Franklin County.

According to the Franklin County Coroner’s Office, a 39-year-old woman who had multiple underlying health conditions, including a previous measles infection that was treated is the latest case.

This meets the definition set forth by the Pennsylvania Department of Health for a measles-associated death.

The six deaths have been reported from the following four counties: Lancaster County - 3 deaths (including two infants), Mifflin County (1), Jefferson County (1) and Franklin County (1).

As of October 9, Pennsylvania health officials have reported 1,136 confirmed measles cases, the most in the country.

According to the Hellenic National Public Health Organization (EODY), 20 additional autochthonous West Nile virus (WNV) cases were diagnosed/reported, bringing the total for 2026 through October 8 to 443.

Of this total, two hundred and eighty-two (282) cases presented with Central Nervous System (CNS) manifestations (encephalitis and/or meningitis and/or acute flaccid paralysis), and one hundred and sixty-one (161) cases had mild manifestations or no CNS manifestations.

So far this year, forty-seven (47) deaths have been recorded among patients with the infection, all aged over 52 years (median age of deceased: 82 years; range: 53–92 years).

Two adults from central North Carolina have died after contracting West Nile virus, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a total of 11 human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in North Carolina as of October 6

Older adults and individuals with underlying health conditions are at increased risk for severe outcomes and death. There are currently no human vaccines or specific treatments available for West Nile virus. The most effective protection is prevention.

Recommended preventive measures include using DEET or equivalent insect repellent on exposed skin, wearing long sleeves and long pants, choosing permethrin treated clothing, limiting outdoor activity between dusk and dawn, using window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out, and eliminating standing water to reduce mosquito breeding sites.

Brazil recorded a drop of approximately 70% in probable dengue cases in 2026, compared to the same period last year. As of September 26th, 470,500 probable cases of the disease had been recorded in the country, compared to 1.5 million registered up to the same date in 2025.

There was also a reduction in cases of chikungunya and Zika. In 2026, 67,902 probable cases of chikungunya were registered, a number 43% lower than the 118,885 cases recorded in the same period of 2025. Zika cases totaled 2,141, a 35% decrease compared to the 3,724 cases registered the previous year.

Antibiotics, antimicrobial resistance and the Revenge of the Microbes

According to the Ministry of Health, these results reinforce the importance of maintaining prevention and control measures against Aedes aegypti. This also allows local managers to direct actions according to the situation identified in each municipality.

Endemic Disease Control Agents (ACEs) work in the prevention and control of arboviruses, identifying and treating breeding sites, as well as educating the public about preventive measures. By the end of this year, the Ministry of Health expects to train more than 300,000 professionals .

Among the strategies for controlling Aedes aegypti are Indoor Residual Spraying in special properties — such as schools, health units and places with high traffic —, Larvicide Dissemination Stations, and the Wolbachia method, which uses a bacterium to reduce the mosquito’s ability to transmit viruses.