Multiple countries are currently experiencing outbreaks of various infectious diseases, with significant impacts on public health. These outbreaks include yellow fever in Colombia, mpox in Madagascar, Nipah virus in India, cholera in Mozambique, and measles in the USA.
Yellow Fever in Colombia
Colombia has reported over 70 deaths since 2024 from an ongoing yellow fever outbreak. A national health emergency was declared in 2024 due to rising cases.
Government figures indicate 161 cases and 73 deaths occurred between 2024 and January 2026, with 13 cases and 10 deaths recorded in 2026.
Symptoms of yellow fever are flu-like, including high temperature, headache, sickness, and body aches. In severe cases, the disease can lead to multi-organ failure and internal bleeding.
Approximately 15% of patients develop severe symptoms, and about half of those individuals die, according to the World Health Organization.
Mpox in Madagascar
Madagascar has recently reported nearly 500 suspected cases of mpox, with 182 confirmed cases across 20 regions. Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, causes a rash and flu-like symptoms.
Its symptoms can resemble other common childhood illnesses like scabies and chickenpox, which may lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Nipah Virus in India
An outbreak of Nipah virus in India has seen two confirmed cases among healthcare workers.
The Nipah virus can cause swelling of the brain in severe cases and has a fatality rate of between 40% and 75%.
India is working to contain the outbreak by tracing and testing nearly 200 contacts. International measures include airport screening introduced in some major cities in Thailand and tightened border controls by countries such as Hong Kong and Malaysia.
Cholera in Mozambique
Mozambique is experiencing a cholera outbreak in its central and northern regions. Cholera is an infection spread through unclean drinking water or contaminated food, causing severe diarrhea.
If untreated, it can result in severe, rapid dehydration, leading to shock, organ failure, and death.
In 2025, Mozambique confirmed over 5,700 cases and 68 deaths related to cholera.
Measles in the USA
The USA has recorded its highest number of measles cases in decades, with more than 2,600 cases confirmed across 44 states since the beginning of 2025.
Measles begins as a respiratory illness, presenting with symptoms such as fever, cough, and a runny nose. In serious cases, it can progress to pneumonia or brain swelling.
The largest outbreak occurred in west Texas, where two unvaccinated schoolchildren died, marking the first measles deaths in the US in approximately a decade.