In the latest edition of the ‘Hot Topics in Infection Prevention Outbreak Updates’ organized by Infection Control Today, Saskia v. Popescu, a renowned expert in the field, reviewed the ongoing measles and avian flu outbreaks and discussed the sweeping implications of recent disruptions in global health.
Firstly, to brief on the current measles situation, the CDC, in their recent report dated March 14, 2025, has confirmed 301 cases, including 2 deaths, one of which is under investigation. These figures present an increase from the 285 cases recorded for the entire year of 2024. Notably, about 17% of current cases required hospitalization. Critical analysis of these figures reveals a larger proportion of cases occurring in the younger population, with a majority (42%) in the 5-19 age group, followed by 34% in those under 5, and 21% in the 20+ age group. An alarming statistic shows that 95% of the cases are from unvaccinated individuals and those of unknown vaccination statuses. Presently, there have been three outbreaks reported in 2025, with 93% of cases being associated with these outbreaks.
Furthermore, the USDA has released a novel biosecurity assessment and audit tool aimed at aiding poultry farms in fortifying their preventive measures against the ongoing avian flu outbreak. H5N1, also known as avian influenza, has been responsible for 70 human cases and one death in the USA. The exposures primarily originated from dairy herds and poultry farming and culling operations. Also, increasing concerns have been raised by the identification of a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) strain, H7N9, in a Mississippi poultry farm, known for a higher human mortality rate.
Turning focus on global health, the repercussions of the US withdrawing from the World Health Organization (WHO) and freezing the US Agency for International Development (USAID) are beginning to emerge. Effects are seen from HIV/AIDS treatments to interruptions in malaria diagnostics and TB prevention strategies. WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus shed light on these disruptions during a briefing and called on the US to reconsider such funding cuts, citing ‘we are already seeing the impacts.’
Unfortunately, these supply chain disruptions in malaria diagnostics, medication, and insecticide-treated bed nets could bring about an estimated 15 million additional cases of malaria and a soaring death toll of 107,000 this year alone. This would undo 15 years of progress in combating malaria, wherein the US has been the largest bilateral donor. The withdrawal of PEPFAR has already affected HIV treatment, testing, and prevention, causing significant disruptions in more than 50 countries.
Finally, the importance of worldwide early warning systems that signal emerging infectious diseases was emphasized. The cut in funding these systems could further hamper surveillance and outbreak reporting, jeopardizing our capacity for a rapid response and containment.