Building the Future of Biodefense
Biothreat intelligence to deter and detect natural, accidental, deliberate and novel biological agents.
ADVISORY
South Korea sees a rise in Vibrio cases, 42% fatality rate for the year so far
09/17/2025
South Korea
Recommendation: Vibrio vulnificus cases in South Korea typically peak in Aug to Oct when the coastal water is warmer. Vibrio vulnificus bacteria are present in coastal marine environments and seafood, and the infection can cause sepsis. Employees should avoid exposing wounds to coastal waters and consuming undercooked seafood.
Situation: South Korean health officials issued a warning that Vibrio vulnificus sepsis has been on the rise since August. 19 cases were reported so far in 2025, with 14 of those cases occurring in August. The case-fatality rate is high at 42% (8 deaths), though 9.5% lower than the case-fatality rate for this time last year. All deceased cases had underlying health conditions. [Confidence: Very High]
ADVISORY
Pakistan issues nationwide dengue alert amid flooding
09/17/2025
Pakistan
Recommendation: Dengue is endemic in Pakistan, with cases typically peaking in September to November. Organizations should reduce mosquito habitats by eliminating sources of standing water and applying insecticides to outdoor water storage containers. Employees can reduce infection risk by wearing clothing that covers skin, using mosquito repellents, and emptying standing water.
Situation: Pakistan issued a nationwide alert, warning of an unprecedentedly high risk of severe dengue fever outbreak starting from 9/20 to 12/5, driven by post-monsoon season's weather conditions, particularly across ten major cities as well as in flood-affected areas across the country. Current widespread flood conditions in Punjab, Sindh, and urban centers have already displaced millions of people and created ideal environments for mosquito breeding, with stagnant water and poor drainage worsening the threat. Health officials urged preventive action, including public awareness, vector control, drainage clearing, and widespread fumigation. [Confidence: Very High]
WATCH
Possible measles exposure at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport
09/17/2025
Illinois, Cook County
Recommendation: Organizations in Illinois should inform employees about the possible measles exposure 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.
Situation: Cook County health officials reported a new measles case in an unvaccinated child who recently traveled internationally. The public may have been exposed at Chicago O'Hare International Airport in Terminal 5 on 9/11. Exposed individuals should monitor for measles symptoms (7-21 days from exposure). Health officials advised the public to review their vaccination status and to get vaccinated. [Confidence: Very High]
ADVISORY
Nebraska reports its first avian influenza infection in a dairy cattle herd
09/16/2025
United States of America, Nebraska
Recommendation: Continued highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) transmission in cattle may increase the risk of viral reassortment and additional virus spillover into humans. No human-to-human spread of avian influenza has been detected. Organizations should follow the recommendations provided in the PHC analysis on 1/10 and 2/13, including lowering barriers to seasonal flu vaccines for their employees.
Situation: HPAI was detected in a dairy cattle herd for the 1st time in Nebraska. The case was confirmed as a result of tracing efforts following an initial detection from pre-movement milk sampling. Genetic analysis identified that the virus is H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype B3.13. USDA and Nebraska officials are conducting on-farm investigations and testing to understand the case and prevent further spread. Nationally, 1,080 herds across 18 states were affected by avian influenza since the outbreak started in March 2024. [Confidence: Very High]
WATCH
Israel expands early measles vaccination as almost 500 new cases were reported in over 2 weeks
09/16/2025
Israel
Recommendation: Organizations in Israel 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: Amid an ongoing measles outbreak in multiple Israeli communities, including Beit Shemesh, Bnei Brak, Harish, Jerusalem, Modi'in Illit, and Nof HaGalil, health officials announced that infants aged 6-11 months with family or social ties to affected areas, or planning visits there, can receive an early dose of the measles vaccine without an appointment. 481 new measles cases were reported in Israel since PHC's alert on 8/29, totaling 1,251 measles cases in the outbreak, with 29 hospitalizations (mostly in children), including 5 in intensive care. [Confidence: Very High]
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PHC Vector provides direct programmatic access to PHC Global intelligence to simplify an increasingly complex biodefense landscape
