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With over 2 million spectators expected to visit Italy during the Winter 2026 Olympic Games, this large gathering has not yet faced any health emergencies.
As of February 16, 2026, and following the latest update from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), no significant public health events related to communicable diseases have been identified in connection with the Winter Olympic Games.
The ECDC's Communicable Disease Threats Report for week #7 states that the probability of European citizens contracting communicable diseases during the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games 2026 is low if general preventive measures are implemented.
Furthermore, there are no vaccination requirements to attend the Games.
However, the U.S. CDC recommends various routine and travel vaccinations before visiting Italy.
From a safety perspective, the U.S. State Department has issued a Level 2 Travel Advisory regarding civil unrest in Italy.
Should a health emergency arise, the U.S. Embassy in Italy says the consular sections in Milan, Rome, Florence, and Naples currently have reduced availability; however, the Consular Agency in Venice will be available to provide emergency American Citizen Services.
The U.S. government recommends that travelers enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program when visiting Italy. It is a free service that sends digital updates and alerts from U.S. embassies and consulates abroad.
Health authorities in French Guiana, an overseas department of France located on the northeast coast of South America, have confirmed the re-emergence of local Chikungunya transmission for the first time since 2015.
The initial case was identified in a resident of Kourou by the French Guiana Regional Health Agency through RT-PCR testing on January 27, 2026.
This case was classified as locally acquired, meaning the patient contracted the virus from a mosquito bite in French Guiana, without having recently traveled to affected areas like Brazil. Subsequent investigations have revealed three additional confirmed cases.
The virus strain detected in these cases is genetically similar to the one currently circulating across parts of the Americas, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), which issued an epidemiological alert on February 10, 2026.
The alert noted the resumption of transmission in the Guiana Shield region—including Guyana, French Guiana, and Suriname.
The PAHO has urged heightened preparedness across the Americas amid rising chikungunya activity in several countries since late 2025. The reappearance of local transmission in areas long free of the Chikungunya virus underscores the risk posed by ongoing viral activity in neighboring countries and the potential for imported cases to spark outbreaks
This resurgence aligns with broader regional trends in 2025.
PAHO data indicate sustained increases in chikungunya cases in parts of South America and the Caribbean since late 2025, even as overall regional numbers have declined compared to the peaks in 2024.
The situation is under close monitoring by French health authorities and international partners, with no reports of severe complications or large-scale outbreaks at this stage.
However, in central South America, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified parts of Bolivia as experiencing an ongoing chikungunya outbreak.
Currently, the CDC says there is no specific antiviral treatment; management focuses on symptom relief, and prevention relies on mosquito control and personal protective measures such as repellents, long clothing, and eliminating breeding sites.
Travelers to the region are encouraged by the PAHO and other agencies to consult health guidelines and consider protective measures, such as vaccination, before visiting the Guiana Shield region as of February 16, 2026.
South Korea recently confirmed its 15th case of African swine fever (ASF) for the season, prompting an escalation of quarantine efforts across the country during the Lunar New Year holiday to prevent further spread.
On February 14, 2026, the latest ASF infection was identified at a pig farm in Changnyeong County, South Gyeongsang Province, southeast of the capital city of Seoul.
This case caps a sharp rise in 2026 outbreaks, starting with the first in Gangwon Province, followed by detections in Gyeonggi, Jeollanam-do, Jeollabuk-do, Chungcheongnam-do, and multiple locations.
ASF is a highly contagious, often fatal viral disease exclusive to domestic pigs and wild boars, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
As of 2026, ASF poses no threat to human health because it is non-zoonotic and cannot infect people through contact with pigs or by consuming properly cooked pork.
Even if someone consumes uncooked or undercooked pork from an infected pig, the virus does not infect human cells.
However, ASF outbreaks can cause substantial economic losses in the food supply.
First identified in 1921, the causative agent of ASF, African swine fever virus (ASFV), likely originated in a natural sylvatic cycle involving African wild suids and soft ticks, which serve as asymptomatic carriers and vectors, says the CDC.
A major global wave began in 2007 in Georgia with genotype II strains, reaching China in 2018 and triggering massive outbreaks across Asia and Europe.
In South Korea, ASF first appeared in domestic pigs in September 2019. The 2026 surge far exceeds the six farm outbreaks recorded in 2025.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has urged farmers and citizens in South Korea to avoid swill feeding, limit contact with wild boar, and prevent contaminated imports amid holiday travel.
As of February 2026, the USDA says ASF has never been detected in the continental United States.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified parts of Bolivia as health risk destinations in South America due to an ongoing outbreak of chikungunya fever, a mosquito-borne viral illness.
As of mid-February 2026, there have been 1,534 confirmed or suspected cases reported nationwide.
A Travel Health Notice issued on February 11, 2026, classifies the situation as a Level 2 – Practice Enhanced Precautions, specifically highlighting outbreaks in the departments of Santa Cruz (eastern Bolivia) and Cochabamba (central Bolivia), while smaller numbers have been noted in Tarija (14), Beni (10), and Chuquisaca (7).
The CDC writes that Chikungunya, primarily transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, causes symptoms such as high fever, severe joint pain, muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, and rash. While most individuals recover within a week, some may experience persistent joint pain for months or even years. Severe complications are rare but can occur, especially in vulnerable groups such as older adults, infants, and those with underlying health conditions.
There is no specific antiviral treatment available, but the CDC recommends a vaccine for travelers visiting outbreak areas.
In its notice, the CDC urges travelers to Bolivia, especially those visiting affected regions, to take proactive measures to avoid mosquito bites.
The outbreak in Bolivia is part of a broader regional trend in the Americas.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) noted sustained increases in chikungunya cases since late 2025, with a re-emergence in areas such as the Guiana Shield (Guyana, French Guiana, Suriname) after nearly a decade without reports.
In 2025, the Americas reported 313,132 cases (113,926 confirmed, including 170 deaths) across 18 countries and one territory, though overall regional numbers declined compared to 2024.
The CDC and PAHO say travelers to outbreak areas should consult travel health providers about vaccination options before their trips and monitor updates, as conditions can evolve rapidly due to changes in mosquito populations and environmental factors.
To help reduce the number of Dengue fever infections, the Brazilian Ministry of Health recently launched a nationwide vaccination campaign targeting approximately 1.2 million frontline healthcare professionals.
The Butantan-DV vaccine is the world's first single-dose Dengue vaccine, developed by the Instituto Butantan in São Paulo. It is a third-generation vaccine that protects people against all four Dengue virus serotypes and is approved for individuals aged 12 to 59.
To kick off the campaign on February 9, 2026, 650,000 doses have been distributed nationwide, with more shipments planned. In Sergipe, the campaign is expected to benefit 18,200 healthcare professionals, with 7,900 doses.
With an investment of R$ 368 million ($70.5 million USD), the government has secured 3.9 million doses initially, with plans to increase production through partnerships, aiming to deliver up to 30 million doses in the second half of 2026.
Vaccination for the general population is expected to start later in 2026.
"Vaccination is starting with the entire multidisciplinary team registered with the Brazilian Public Health System. These are the people who knock on doors, visit people's homes, check for mosquito breeding grounds, provide follow-up care, and carry out mobilization efforts. They are also the professionals who are at the first point of contact when there are cases of Dengue fever," highlighted the Minister of Health, Alexandre Padilha, in a press release.
This initiative is essential, as Brazil has already reported more than 133,000 probable Dengue cases and 8 related fatalities in 2026.
In Europe, no Dengue cases have been reported in 2026, excluding the outermost regions, such as Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Réunion.
The primary way to combat mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika remains the elimination of breeding grounds for the Aedes aegypti mosquito, as the U.S. CDC notes.
In addition to these diseases, the CDC has issued travel alerts for Measles and Oropouche outbreaks in Brazil.
As of February 16, 2026, the Butantan-DV vaccine is unavailable in the USA.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released its latest Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report for Week 5, confirming the 2025-2026 flu season activity remains elevated nationally.
However, patterns are shifting as the season progresses.
According to the CDC on February 13, 2026, influenza A activity is decreasing nationally and in most regions, while influenza B activity is increasing in many areas. Regional trends vary; some parts of the country are experiencing stable or declining levels, while others continue to see ongoing circulation of the virus.
A significant concern raised in the report is the addition of six influenza-associated pediatric deaths recorded last week.
Four of the deaths were linked to influenza A viruses, with two cases identified as A(H3N2). The remaining two deaths were associated with influenza B viruses, although no lineage was determined.
This unfortunate news brings the cumulative total for the 2025-2026 season to 66 reported influenza-associated pediatric deaths.
Currently, precise state-by-state pediatric death locations or counts are not publicly disclosed by the CDC.
These totals compare with the last three full seasons: 2022-2023 season: 187 pediatric deaths reported; 2023-2024 season: 210 pediatric deaths reported; 2024-2025 season: 289 pediatric deaths reported, the highest for any non-pandemic season.
Among children eligible for vaccination who had known vaccination status, the CDC's data indicates that approximately 90% of these deaths occurred in those who were not fully vaccinated against influenza.
With about 130 flu shots already distributed in the U.S., access to vaccines such as FluMist continues in February 2026.
For the full CDC report and detailed surveillance data, visit the CDC's FluView website. Please note that all figures are preliminary and subject to updates as more reports are received.
The Regional Health Agency (ARS) of Réunion has recently confirmed a second imported case of smallpox (mpox) from the Republic of Madagascar to the French Department of Réunion.
As of February 10, 2026, the ARS reported that there is no established epidemiological link between this new case and the first case confirmed on January 22, 2026.
An investigation has been conducted to identify at-risk contacts in Réunion, who have been individually informed and directed to seek medical follow-up. This follow-up may include the prescription of a reactive vaccination as soon as possible.
The ARS reminds everyone that anyone with suggestive symptoms (skin rash, ulcers, fever, swollen lymph nodes, etc.), particularly travelers returning from Madagascar or an area with active virus circulation, should contact their doctor or the SAMU-Centre 15 immediately, and isolate themselves immediately while awaiting medical advice.
Furthermore, in accordance with national recommendations, preventive vaccination (JYNNEOS®, MVA-BN®) is offered to the most exposed people (travelers going to areas of active circulation, people with multiple sexual partners, sex workers, exposed health professionals, and immunocompromised people.
And reactive vaccination is offered to at-risk contacts of confirmed cases, ideally within 4 to 14 days after exposure.
Vaccinations are carried out at authorized vaccination centers, such as the North and South University Hospital and CEGIDD West.
Mpox clade Ib cases in Madagascar began in late 2025, marking the country's first documented outbreak. As of early February 2026, approximately 250 confirmed mpox cases had been reported, concentrated in the Boeny region.
This report concerns tens of thousands of travelers who visit this island off Africa's eastern coast each year.
Before visiting Madagascar in 2026, the U.S. CDC recommends that at-risk travelers receive their first mpox vaccine at least 6 weeks before travel, if possible. Numerious travel vaccine clinics in the U.S. offer mpox vaccination services.
For more than 100 years, the effectiveness of tuberculosis (TB) vaccines has varied based on the type of vaccine used.
As of 2026, there are over ten TB vaccines in circulation, prompting researchers to explore ways to enhance their effectiveness in decreasing the number of new cases.
Given the rising number of TB cases in the United States and other countries in 2026, this research is crucial for reducing the incidence of the disease.
According to a mathematical modeling study, the population-level success of new TB vaccines could hinge on their ability to block infectious asymptomatic TB, where people transmit the bacteria without symptoms.
Using models based on high-burden settings, researchers compared three vaccine scenarios: preventing progression to infectious symptomatic TB only; preventing progression to any infectious disease, including asymptomatic disease; and preventing progression to any disease.
Across all short-term (3-year) scenarios, symptomatic TB cases were reduced by a similar amount (≈1.6–2.3%).
Over longer periods (20 years), vaccines that block infectious asymptomatic disease averted far more cases—19.4% and 23.3% vs. just 7.3% in the symptomatic-only scenario—mainly by curbing silent transmission.
Published in PLOS Medicine on February 12, 2026, the study highlights that overlooking efficacy against asymptomatic infection could underestimate the long-term benefits of new TB vaccines in ending the global epidemic.
These researchers also evaluated scenarios in which they hypothetically assumed the vaccines would be effective in the pre-symptomatic stages at the time of vaccination.
If this were the case, they would have seen greater impact from the vaccines because they protected a larger proportion of the population, specifically those at high risk of progressing to later stages of disease.
However, experts believe that it is unlikely that a vaccine would be effective if delivered to someone with the disease at the time of vaccination, as the immune response would overwhelm any vaccine effect.
Although it is not yet known whether the same applies to earlier disease stages (such as nTB) and to undulation between disease stages, these researchers wrote.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an epidemiological alert on February 10, 2026, warning of a sustained rise in chikungunya cases across parts of the Americas.
The alert highlights increased transmission from late 2025 through early 2026, including the resumption of local transmission in territories that had not reported the virus for several years, including the United States.
While rarely fatal, the illness can cause debilitating long-term effects.
According to PAHO's alert, as of epidemiological week (EW) 4 in 2026, a total of 7,150 chikungunya cases had been reported, with 2,351 confirmed and 1 death recorded.
This uptick follows a broader regional trend: in 2025, the Americas reported 313,132 cases (113,926 confirmed, including 170 deaths) across 18 countries and one territory.
Notable activity occurred in Brazil's central-western and southeastern regions, southern Bolivia, and the re-emergence in the Guiana Shield area (including Guyana, French Guiana, and Suriname after nearly a decade without reports.
The PAHO noted that while dynamics may reflect cyclical epidemiology, the reappearance in previously quiet territories underscores the urgency for heightened vigilance.
Genomic analysis shows three main global genotypes of the chikungunya virus: West African, East/Central/South African, and Asian. Specifically, the Indian Ocean lineage, which features the E1-A226V mutation, enhances transmissibility, contributing to wider spread in some contexts.
Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, the same vectors responsible for Dengue and Zika infections, which have also been reported in 2026.
In a positive development for prevention, approved chikungunya vaccines are expected to be available in 2026. These include virus-like particle options, such as the VIMKUNYA vaccine.
This vaccine is recommended for people visiting areas with chikungunya outbreaks and is commercially offered at certified travel clinics throughout the U.S.
