Search API
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced that seasonal influenza activity is continuing to decline nationwide; however, trends differ among various age groups and regions.
As of January 25, 2026, the CDC's FluView report for week #3 noted a 4.4% decrease in visits to healthcare providers for respiratory illnesses compared to the previous week.
Tragically, the CDC also reported twelve additional influenza-associated pediatric deaths last week, bringing the total for the 2025-2026 season to 44 reported deaths related to influenza in children. Among the children who were eligible for influenza vaccination and had known vaccination status, approximately 90% of the reported pediatric deaths this season occurred in those who were not fully vaccinated against influenza.
However, the CDC's in-season severity assessment framework classified this flu season as moderate across all ages.
To visualize this CDC flu information, the Walgreens Respiratory Illness Index updated its national graphic that highlights which states are reporting flu activity at retail pharmacies.
According to Walgreens, the current leaders include Louisiana, Michigan, Nevada, and Oklahoma.
Since the flu season is expected to last a few more months, pharmacies and clinics continue to offer various flu shots throughout the U.S. Additionally, the FluMist vaccine can be administered at home in 2026.
Bavarian Nordic A/S today announced an agreement with Eurofarma, granting the Brazilian pharmaceutical company exclusive rights to sell and distribute Bavarian Nordic's chikungunya vaccine, CHIKV VLP (VIMKUNYA®), in Brazil.
Additionally, under the terms of the agreement announced on January 23, 2026, Eurofarma will have the right of first refusal for any future opportunities to register and commercialize the virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine in the rest of Latin America.
According to the press release, pending discussions with the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (Anvisa), a regulatory submission is anticipated in the first half of 2026, which could support a potential launch of the vaccine in Brazil in the latter half of 2027.
Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by the chikungunya virus. Over the past two decades, chikungunya has been reported in over 110 countries. Since 2013, the virus has been detected in the Americas Region.
Brazil remains one of the most heavily affected countries, having reported a significant share of global cases and hospitalizations in recent years.
In 2025, Brazil reported over 250,000 chikungunya cases and 120 related fatalities.
Paul Chaplin, President & CEO of Bavarian Nordic, commented, "Brazil continues to bear a significant burden from chikungunya, accounting for a substantial portion of global reported cases and related deaths."
In the United States, both travel-related and locally acquired chikungunya have been confirmed in Florida in early 2026. During 2025, numerious cases were related to travelers from Cuba.
CHIKV VLP is a single-dose, prefilled, adjuvanted VLP recombinant protein vaccine designed for the active immunization and prevention of disease caused by the chikungunya virus.
The vaccine contains no viral genetic material, making it non-infectious and unable to cause disease, thereby providing a favorable safety profile suitable for a broad range of individuals.
VIMKUNYA® was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in February 2025, by the European Commission in February 2025, and by the United Kingdom in May 2025, initially for use in travelers and at-risk populations aged 12 years and older.
This is the second chikungunya vaccine targeting Brazil.
In April 2025, Anvisa granted marketing authorization to its single-dose vaccine IXCHIQ®.
As of January 24, 2026, VIMKUNYA® is commercailly offered at travel clinics throughout the U.S.
For more information, visit www.bavarian-nordic.com.
The Jamaica Tourist Board recently welcomed the U.S. Department of State's update to its Travel Advisory for Jamaica, which was downgraded to Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, effective January 17, 2026.
This positive adjustment returns Jamaica to the advisory level it held before Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 Caribbean storm in 2025, reflecting significant progress in the island's recovery and a continued commitment to visitor safety.
Recovery efforts have restored major airports, cleared roads, and reopened the majority of hotels and resorts, with tourism operations now vibrant across key destinations like Montego Bay, Negril, and Ocho Rios.
Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, stated, "The U.S. Department of State's decision to lower the advisory to Level 2 is a strong endorsement of Jamaica's swift and effective recovery."
"Our people, tourism partners, and government have worked tirelessly to ensure that visitors can once again enjoy the warmth, culture, and beauty that make Jamaica one of the world's premier destinations."
"We are open, welcoming, and ready for you."
For example, Jamaica's annual Reggae Month celebrations are held throughout the island each February.
The updated State Department advisory continues to highlight risks related to crime, health, and natural disasters, with no changes to the underlying risk indicators. It also notes that some high-risk regions remain designated as Level 4 ("Do Not Travel") due to crime concerns.
Additionally, Basic and specialized medical care may not be available in many parts of Jamaica. This includes slower emergency service response times and less availability of care for illness or injury.
Furthermore, the U.S. CDC recommends various routine and travel vaccinations before visiting Jamaica in 206. It also says there may be an increased risk of waterborne (including leptospirosis), vector-borne, and fungal diseases.
When planning a trip to Jamaica in 2026, the State Department advises enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive digital updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate.
For more information, visit jamaica.com or contact the Jamaica Tourist Board.
Following a decrease in Dengue fever cases in 2025, the global risk may be rising again in 2026 across the Americas, Asia, Africa, and the Pacific.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Global Dengue Travel Health Notice, updated on January 22, 2026, eleven countries are reporting higher-than-usual Dengue activity or elevated cases among U.S. travelers returning from these destinations.
These countries include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Colombia, the Cook Islands (New Zealand), Cuba, Mali, Mauritania, Nicaragua, Samoa, Sudan, and Vietnam.
The CDC has flagged these nations based on public health data showing surges or sustained transmission. Travelers to these locations may face increased exposure, particularly during warmer, wetter seasons that favor mosquito breeding.
This updated Notice, classified as Level 1, states that Dengue, a mosquito-borne viral illness primarily spread by Aedes species mosquitoes, remains a year-round threat in many tropical and subtropical regions.
Outbreaks typically occur every 2-5 years. Dengue symptoms include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and, in severe cases, potentially life-threatening complications such as Dengue hemorrhagic fever.
In the United States, Florida continues to be an unfortunate leader in reporting Dengue cases.
Three cases of Dengue were reported in January 2026 in persons who had international travel. In 2025, 429 cases of Dengue fever were reported among individuals who had traveled internationally, with 311 cases among travelers from Cuba and 21 from Puerto Rico.
Additionally, in 2025, 62 locally acquired Dengue cases were reported in Florida.
There is currently no specific treatment available in the U.S., so the CDC advises anyone planning to travel to dengue-risk areas to take standard precautions against mosquito bites, as there is no universal vaccine recommended for most travelers.
As of January 23, 2026, second and third-generation (Butantan-DV) Dengue vaccines are available in select countries, but not in the continental U.S.
The state of North Carolina is currently experiencing a measles outbreak, with 11 confirmed cases since late December 2025, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS).
As of January 23, 2026, health officials describe these cases as "embers" from a larger outbreak in South Carolina, where over 600 cases have been reported, mainly around Spartanburg County.
The NCDHHS measles dashboard indicates that cases are primarily in the western regions, with Buncombe County having the most cases (6), followed by Polk County (2), Cabarrus County (2), and Rutherford County (1).
Epidemiologists have noted local community transmission in North Carolina, with about 64% of cases in unvaccinated individuals and 34% having received only one dose of the MMR vaccine.
MMR vaccination is now recommended for infants aged 6–11 months in high-risk areas.
Nationally, the U.S. saw 2,144 measles cases in 2025, the highest since elimination in 2000.
Measles is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis. Fortunately, measles-related fatalities are seldom reported in the USA.
For the latest updates, visit the NCDHHS measles dashboard at dph.ncdhhs.gov or consult CDC resources on measles.
The Federative Republic of Brazil's iconic Carnival of 2026 will begin on February 13, drawing millions of locals and international visitors to cities like Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Salvador, and Recife.
As of January 22, 2026, Brazil is gearing up for this celebration, focusing on fun while prioritizing public health.
Local health authorities are urging caution due to concerns about mosquito-borne diseases, particularly the Zika virus, with over 24,000 suspected and 1,840 confirmed cases reported by Brazil's Ministry of Health by the end of December 2025.
Last year, many Zika cases were concentrated in the higher population states like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
While Carnival's crowds and warm weather heighten exposure risks, simple precautions can help ensure a safe experience.
Currently, there are no vaccines for Zika available, and disease prevention relies on measures such as using insect repellent, wearing long clothing, and eliminating standing water.
Travelers, especially pregnant individuals, should consult healthcare providers and follow guidance from health authorities, such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
While the CDC has not issued a Travel Health Notice regarding Zika outbreaks in Brazil, it did confirm that an infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby, which may cause microcephaly.
In addition to Zika, the CDC has highlighted travel vaccinations for chikungunya and yellow fever when planning to visit Brazil in 2026.
The Republic of Colombia is currently experiencing a severe yellow fever outbreak, one of the worst in recent decades.
As of January 21, 2026, the Ministry of Health reported on Facebook that 157 confirmed cases had occurred since 2024, resulting in 70 deaths. This data represents a significant increase in transmission, particularly in the department of Tolima, which has recorded 137 cases and 55 deaths.
Historically considered low-risk for yellow fever, Tolima's situation indicates a shifting geographic distribution of the disease.
The recent rise in cases and a confirmed death in January 2026 reflect ongoing transmission.
Many cases arise in forested areas where Haemagogus mosquitoes and non-human primates transmit yellow fever. Still, some infections have occurred near urban areas, including the city of Bogotá, raising concerns for residents and travelers.
Bogotá is Colombia's largest city, with a population exceeding 7.5 million residents, and is a South American travel hub.
Colombia does not generally require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry from most countries. A completed International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) is valid for life under International Health Regulations. It is required for travelers from certain parts of Africa or other South American countries, such as Brazil.
The single-dose yellow fever vaccine (YF-VAX, Stamaril) provides lifelong immunity for most people. It is a live attenuated vaccine, so it is not suitable for everyone.
When visiting Colombia in 2026, some domestic flights, national parks, or jungle tours may request vaccination proof, such as the ICVP.
