All SPECTRE News

Mpox cases are rising in West Africa, with Togo reporting its first outbreak and Sierra Leone experiencing a major surge driven by the clade 2 virus, straining healthcare systems and affecting mostly young adults in urban areas.

This episode explores what it takes to effectively prepare for and respond to high-consequence infectious diseases (HCIDs), focusing on the systems, strategies, and collaboration needed to protect patients and strengthen healthcare infrastructure against emerging threats.

A measles outbreak in West Texas, fueled by misinformation and vaccine hesitancy, has led to the use of unproven treatments over the proven MMR vaccine. Many experts warn that promoting these alternatives puts lives at risk and undermines public trust in effective prevention.

Africa CDC and WHO have updated their Continental Response Plan as mpox spreads to 28 countries, with the DRC at the epicenter and Africa bearing the highest burden. Despite progress in vaccination and testing, conflict and a major funding gap threaten efforts—read more to learn about the response and how to support it.

Switzerland has confirmed its first case of clade 1b mpox in a traveler returning from Africa, according to UNMC's Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP). The more virulent clade 1b is currently driving an outbreak in central Africa, with most cases reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Hantaviruses, primarily transmitted through rodents’ body fluids and excrement, can be contracted through inhaling contaminated air, with some strains, like the Andes virus, spreading person-to-person, making it crucial for clinicians to stay informed about the disease’s risks, symptoms, and treatment—check out NETEC's latest blog for more.

The CDC is issuing a Health Advisory on a measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico, with 208 cases and two deaths as of March 7, 2025. More cases are expected. Clinicians and officials are urged to follow prevention guidelines. Read the full advisory for more information.

The Measles 101 Town Hall with Dr. Susan McLellan, MD, MPH, Director of SPECTRE at UTMB, provided valuable insights on measles symptoms, the infectious period, and how both healthcare providers and the public can help combat the disease. Don't miss this opportunity to listen to expert advice on prevention and response—tune in now to stay informed!

NETEC’s webinar on “Bolivian and Argentine Hemorrhagic Fevers” (December 8, 2023) highlights the public health challenges posed by these diseases and the need for preparedness to protect global and national health security.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued an alert following a rise in measles cases in Argentina, Canada, Mexico, and the United States, with 268 cases confirmed by February 21, 2025—up from 60 during the same period in 2024. Read more about this growing concern and its impact.

The Texas Department of State Health Services has confirmed the first death from measles in the ongoing outbreak in the South Plains and Panhandle areas.

Uganda declared an outbreak of Sudan virus disease (SVD) on January 30, 2025, with nine confirmed cases, including five healthcare workers, and one death by February 10. For detailed updates on case distribution, contact tracing, and investigations, read NETEC’s situation report.

A rapidly spreading measles outbreak is making waves across Texas and New Mexico. The situation is evolving quickly, and it’s crucial to stay informed on how this might affect you and your community.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) has issued a health advisory

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued this Health Advisory through the Health Alert Network (HAN) to inform the public about a recently confirmed outbreak of Ebola virus disease in Uganda, caused by the Sudan virus (species Orthoebolavirus sudanense). This advisory also provides a comprehensive summary of the CDC’s essential recommendations for U.S. public health departments and healthcare clinicians, focusing on the identification of cases, diagnostic testing, and critical biosafety guidelines for clinical laboratories.

Tanzania confirmed a case of Marburg Virus in Kagera on January 20, 2025, marking its second outbreak after the 2023 incident with nine cases and six deaths. Other African countries, including Angola, the DRC, and Uganda, have also reported MVD outbreaks or cases. For more details, check out NETEC's situation report.