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Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection (CHP) reported two new human cases of H9N2 avian influenza infection from mainland China, with symptom onset in late December 2025 and mid-January 2026.
The announcement, published on February 10, 2026 (Week 6), highlighted ongoing sporadic detections of the low-pathogenic bird flu virus in humans.
These cases in Hubei, Guangxi, and Jiangsu provinces coincided with the reporting of an additional human infection involving avian influenza A(H10N3) in a 34-year-old man from Guangdong Province, whose symptoms also began on December 29, 2025.
If confirmed, this would mark only the seventh known human case of H10N3 globally.
According to CHP data, 20 H9N2 cases have been reported in China over the past six months.
Unlike highly pathogenic strains like H5N1, H9N2 has not shown sustained human-to-human transmission.
In the entire year of 2025, mainland China recorded 29 H9N2 cases, which marks a significant increase compared to previous years (11 cases in 2024).
While global human H9N2 infections remain relatively low, they have risen in recent years, primarily in China, with occasional reports from neighboring regions.
Since the first confirmed human case in 1998 (Hong Kong), officials stress that although H9N2 infections are uncommon in humans, continued surveillance is essential because the virus circulates in poultry and can reassort with other influenza strains.
H9N2 is a low-pathogenic avian influenza virus commonly found in poultry, particularly in live bird markets across parts of Asia. Human infections are generally mild, resembling the seasonal flu, with symptoms such as fever, cough, and sore throat; most patients recover fully without severe complications.
Another virus subtype is notable for causing severe illness in people, despite being classified as low pathogenic in birds. As previously reported, between March 2013 and September 2019, a total of 1,568 human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9) have been reported globally.
As of February 12, 2026, the CHP and the World Health Organization (WHO) (January 2026) say the overall public health risk from these cases is assessed as low. The WHO does not advise special traveller screening at points of entry or restrictions about the current situation of influenza viruses at the human-animal interface
Furthermore, these agencies say vaccination options are currently limited.
The Mexican Ministry of Health has confirmed six new human cases of myiasis caused by the New World screwworm (NWS, Cochliomyia hominivorax), bringing the total number of reported human cases to 141 across eight states.
According to Epidemiologic Surveillance Report #4, the majority of cases—103—have been reported in Chiapas, where environmental conditions have facilitated ongoing transmission.
While human cases are relatively uncommon compared to infections in animals, as of February 9, 2026, over 600 cases have been reported in livestock and other animals nationwide, highlighting the broader impact of this serious health risk.
The NWS is a parasitic fly native to parts of the Americas. It lays its eggs in open wounds or on the mucous membranes of warm-blooded animals, including humans. The eggs hatch into larvae that burrow into living tissue, feeding on flesh and causing severe damage, pain, and potential secondary infections.
If left untreated, infestations can lead to serious complications and, in rare cases, may be fatal.
International health authorities are actively monitoring the situation through enhanced surveillance efforts.
Currently, the U.S. government is involved in regional initiatives that include sterile insect technique programs aimed at reducing fly populations and preventing further northward spread.
Animal cases (primarily in livestock) have been detected close to the Texas border, raising concerns about potential northward spread:
Tamaulipas has reported 8 active animal cases, and Nuevo León has had confirmed animal cases, including one in Sabinas Hidalgo, less than 70 miles from the Texas border.
Officials emphasize that the risk to the general public remains low with proper hygiene and wound care; however, vigilance is essential in endemic and outbreak areas.
As of February 12, 2026, no vaccines are available to protect people from this health risk.
According to the Argentine Ministry of Health, there has been an increase in hantavirus cases in early 2026, particularly affecting the Central Region of the country.
This region, which includes provinces such as Buenos Aires, Entre Ríos, and Santa Fe, has consistently reported the highest number of cases in recent seasons.
As of February 2, 2026, national health authorities confirmed a total of 14 cases in the new year, with 7 in Buenos Aires Province, 5 in Salta, 1 in Entre Ríos, and 1 in Río Negro.
The current epidemiological season (from week 27 of 2025 to the present) has shown heightened activity. Argentina has recorded approximately 70 confirmed cases, resulting in 20 deaths, which gives a case fatality rate (CFR) of around 34.5% — the highest rate seen in the past seven years.
The Ministry of Health emphasizes the importance of preventive measures, including avoiding contact with rodents, ensuring proper ventilation in enclosed spaces before entering, using protective gear when cleaning rodent-infested areas, and securely storing food items.
Currently, there is no vaccine for hantavirus. Still, clinical research is focused on DNA and mRNA candidates, with a Phase 2 study evaluating HTNV/PUUV DNA vaccines and new MVA-Hanta trials testing a modified vaccinia Ankara vector.
Furthermore, treatment is primarily supportive.
Early diagnosis within the critical 48-hour window after the onset of symptoms is essential for improving outcomes. Symptoms typically begin with flu-like signs and can progress to severe respiratory distress.
International organizations, including the Pan American Health Organization, are closely monitoring the situation in this South American country.
The yellow fever outbreak in the Republic of Colombia has intensified, with the latest data showing a continued rise in cases and fatalities in 2026.
As of February 8, 2026, Colombia's Ministry of Health confirmed 168 yellow fever cases, including 76 deaths, according to a Facebook post.
This new data represents an increase from earlier reports in late January 2026, when the cumulative total stood at 161 cases and 73 deaths.
Located on the northwestern coast of South America, the department of Tolima remains the epicenter, historically low-risk but now accounting for the majority of infections (previously reported at over 130 cases and dozens of deaths in the region alone).
Other Colombian departments include Caldas, Caquetá, Cauca, Guaviare, Huila, Meta, Nariño, Putumayo, and Vaupés.
The outbreak, which originated in late 2024 and escalated significantly through 2025, has been marked by a persistently high case-fatality rate, often exceeding 40-70% in various reporting periods, largely due to low vaccination coverage among affected populations in forested or rural areas where the mosquito-transmitted virus circulates.
With millions of travelers departing for Colombia from the U.S. each year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Travel Health Notice, Level 2, continues to recommend yellow fever vaccination for travelers to risk areas in Colombia at elevations generally below 2,300 meters, excluding major cities like Bogotá, Barranquilla, Cali, Cartagena, and Medellín.
Numerious health authorities urge residents and visitors in or traveling to endemic zones to get vaccinated at least 10 days before exposure, use mosquito protection, and seek immediate medical care if symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea, or jaundice appear.
When departing from the United States for Colombia, travel vaccination clinics offer the YF-Vax vaccine.
Florida's Ave Maria University recently published an updated report regarding the on-campus measles outbreak. As of the afternoon of February 6, 2026, two students remain in the contagious period since their rash appeared and are currently in quarantine.
According to the university, "We have had one new case since February 4 and will continue to provide regular updates as they become available."
Local media sources and clinic reports indicate that at least 20 students have been diagnosed with measles, with the Mater Dei Clinic confirming 20 positive cases as of early February, and the last new positive case reported on February 2, 2026.
Some reports note an additional 14 cases pending testing in Collier County.
The university stated on its website, "We continue to provide care for all students regardless of test results and are closely monitoring the situation in coordination with the Florida Department of Health (DOH). To support routine student care, a second on-campus clinic has been established in addition to the Padre Pio Campus Health Clinic."
"We are deeply committed to the care, safety, and medical and spiritual support of every student."
The DOH is expected to release updated official statewide numbers on February 12, 2026.
The DOH notes that individuals with a prior history of measles infection or those who have received the full series of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) immunization are 98% protected and are unlikely to contract measles.
Notably, reports indicate that approximately 98% of Ave Maria University's student population is vaccinated against measles (exceeding CDC recommendations for herd immunity). Yet, the outbreak has occurred primarily among vaccinated individuals, highlighting that while highly effective, the vaccine is not 100% protective in all cases or large exposures.
Florida's overall kindergarten MMR vaccination rates are reported at around 88.8% for the 2024–2025 school year.
Individuals who may have been exposed, or who are interested in preventive options, may contact DOH-Collier. Pre and post-exposure options will be available for all ages, Monday through Friday, at the Naples and Immokalee locations.
As of February 9, 2026, following DOH guidance, campus operations continue uninterrupted, including in-person classes, Masses and confessions, dining services, and non-curricular activities. Ave Maria University remains dedicated to providing comprehensive support services to meet our students' health, academic, and spiritual needs.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, through its Travel Health Service under the Centre for Health Protection (CHP), has cautioned residents to exercise care regarding Dengue fever when traveling abroad this year.
The advisory emphasizes that the disease is endemic in over 100 countries, particularly in Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific—popular destinations for Hong Kong travelers.
In an update posted on February 5, 2026, the Travel Health Service reiterated that Dengue remains a persistent threat in many tropical and subtropical regions.
As of early 2026, there have been six reported imported cases of Dengue.
In 2025, Hong Kong recorded 59 imported Dengue cases.
The countries that contributed the most cases last year include the Philippines (12 cases), Indonesia (11 cases), India (9 cases), and Thailand (9 cases).
Notably, there were no local transmissions reported last year.
Regionally, Dengue remains a challenge. As per cumulative figures from 2025, with partial data from 2026, Indonesia reported 148,922 cases, with 403 recorded in early 2026; Vietnam had 184,903 cases in 2025; and India reported 120,729 cases during the last year.
Travelers returning from areas where Dengue is prevalent should seek medical attention promptly if they feel unwell and inform their doctors about their travel history. Additionally, CHP says those planning to travel to these regions should take the necessary precautions against this mosquito-borne disease.
Seperately, the U.S. CDC recently stated, 'it has identified a higher-than-expected number of Dengue cases among returning U.S. travelers from certain countries in recent months.'
As of early 2026, there is currently no locally registered Dengue vaccine available for general use in Hong Kong, according to the Centre for Health Protection and the Department of Health.
However, in nearby dengue-endemic countries that are popular with Hong Kong travelers, the second-generation vaccine QDENGA® is available in various settings, including private clinics, national programs, and public health initiatives.
In the United States, QDENGA is unavailable in 2026, but the first generation is available in Puerto Rico, where Dengue has become endemic.
Detailed information on the latest Dengue fever situation in Hong Kong, as well as neighbouring and overseas countries and areas, is available on the Centre for Health Protection's website.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is urgently calling for coordinated action by Member States in Region #3 in response to a significant resurgence of measles in the Region of the Americas, including the United States.
While most Americans are focusing on measles outbreaks in Florida and South Carolina in February 2026, six countries are affected: Bolivia (10 cases), Canada (67 cases), Chile (1 case), Guatemala (41 cases), Mexico (740 cases), and Uruguay (1 case).
"Measles elimination in the Americas was a historic achievement, but recent events (in Canada and Mexico) demonstrate that this progress is fragile and can be reversed without consistently high vaccination coverage," stated the PAHO Director in a report issued on February 3, 2026.
"Coordinated action now can save lives, prevent further outbreaks, and ensure the health security of the region."
The PAHO emphasizes that measles is a highly contagious yet entirely preventable disease through vaccination. The current surge in cases highlights significant gaps in routine immunization.
To alert international travelers to this serious health risk in 2026, the U.S. CDC continues to issue a Level 1 Travel Health Notice, which identifies numerious countries facing measles outbreaks.
The dramatic increase in cases during 2025 and into early 2026 serves as a warning sign of vulnerabilities in vaccination coverage, says the PAHO.
As of February 7, 2026, measles vaccination services are offered to international travelers at local clinics.
