Building the Future of Biodefense

Biothreat intelligence to deter and detect natural, accidental, deliberate and novel biological agents.

ADVISORY
India confirms 1 pediatric death due to Chandipura virus, with 7 additional deaths suspected
07/08/2025
India, Gujarat

Recommendation: Chandipura virus is spread by sandflies and can cause severe disease, such as acute encephalitis syndrome. It has a high case fatality rate, and no specific treatment or vaccine exists. Globally, the disease has only been confirmed in India, with sporadic outbreaks detected in the western, southern, and central parts of the country, especially during the monsoon season. Organizations should remind employees in India to reduce insect bites by using insect repellent containing DEET and wearing clothing that covers skin. Organizations should also reduce sandfly and mosquito habitats by removing waste/debris and standing water.

Situation: State health officials confirmed 1 pediatric death due to Chandipura virus this week in Gujarat, India. 7 other children died in the past 3 weeks in Panchmahal and Dahod Districts of central Gujarat, with the virus suspected as the cause. Gujarat typically sees a rise in Chandipura virus outbreaks every 4-5 years. In 2024, India reported one of the biggest outbreaks seen in decades that started in Gujarat, before expanding into other states, for a total of 245 suspected cases and 82 deaths (see PHC alerts on 8/26/24 and 7/24/24). [Confidence: Very High]

WATCH
Mexico surpasses 3K confirmed measles cases
07/08/2025
Mexico

Recommendation: Organizations in Mexico should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. Measles is highly contagious and can quickly spread among unvaccinated individuals in a work environment.

Situation: Mexico's measles cases continue to fluctuate in recent weeks, but remain below levels seen in April. So far this year, 6,026 probable measles cases were reported, of which 3,095 were confirmed. Chihuahua is the most affected state, accounting for 71% of the cases. The number of deaths remains at 9 for 2025 (8 in Chihuahua and 1 in Sonora). See PHC alerts on 6/24, 6/16, 6/4, 5/22, and 5/2 for earlier info. [Confidence: Very High]

ADVISORY
The US CDC ends H5N1 emergency response, citing a low risk to public health
07/08/2025
United States of America

Recommendation: Informational update only.

Situation: Media sources reported that the US CDC ended its emergency response to H5N1 avian influenza. Animal cases among poultry and dairy cattle have declined, and no human infections have been reported since February 2025. The CDC response, initiated in April 2024, is now transitioning back to routine monitoring under the CDC’s influenza programs. Officials emphasized that response efforts can be quickly reactivated if needed. A total of 70 H5 human cases have been reported in the US since 2024, with 1 death. There has been no known person-to-person transmission, and the current public health risk remains low. [Confidence: Very High]

WATCH
Measles exposures at the Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan
07/07/2025
Japan

Recommendation: Organizations in Japan should inform employees about the exposure locations and provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. Measles is highly contagious and can quickly spread among unvaccinated individuals in a work environment. Employees attending the Expo 2025 should consult with their healthcare provider 6-8 weeks before the event to discuss if any vaccines would be appropriate based on their itinerary.

Situation: Health officials reported a measles case in a teenager from Kanagawa, Japan. The teenager visited several locations at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai on 6/21 while infectious: Osaka-Kansai Expo shuttle bus from Sakai Expo Parking Lot B to Expo Site, 8 different pavilions in the West Gate Zone and Saving Zone, the Exhibition Hall, and the shuttle bus from the Expo site to Sakai Expo Parking Lot B. See the linked source for more details on exposure locations including public transportation. Exposed individuals should monitor for measles symptoms (7-21 days from exposure). The Expo 2025 started in April and will run until October (see PHC alert 2/25). [Confidence: Very High]

ADVISORY
2 Nipah virus cases confirmed in Kerala, India
07/07/2025
India, Kerala

Recommendation: The Nipah virus was first reported in Kerala, India, in 2018. Since then, sporadic cases and outbreaks have occurred frequently, often from May to September. Nipah virus is severe and often deadly. Individuals are typically infected after consuming fruit or fruit products contaminated by fruit bats. Organizations in Kerala should advise employees not to consume raw juice or raw fruit that has been left in the open.

Situation: Health officials in Kerala, India, reported 2 confirmed cases of Nipah virus over the weekend. One case from Malappuram District died, while the other case from Palakkad District was hospitalized. 425 close contacts were identified from Malappuram, Palakkad, and Kozhikode. 8 people reported flu-like symptoms. So far, 5 people in Malappuram and 1 in Palakkad are under ICU treatment. Health officials implemented surveillance and containment measures. See PHC alert 5/8 for an earlier reported case of Nipah virus in the Malappuram District. [Confidence: Very High]

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