Global Signal Desk

What changed

WHO classifies this as an active, ongoing outbreak and the DRC's 17th Ebola outbreak; a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) was declared May 17, 2026. WHO situation-report data through September 13, 2026 report 7,258 confirmed cases and 3,510 deaths.

Why it matters

There is no licensed vaccine or approved therapeutic specifically for Bundibugyo virus. The response relies on public-health measures and supportive care, and cross-border spread to Uganda widens the population at risk.

Primary sources

• WHO Regional Office for Africa — Ebola outbreak (DRC) (opens in a new tab)
• WHO — Ebola (Bundibugyo virus) outbreak, DRC/Uganda: weekly report (opens in a new tab)

What changed

September 17, 2026: upgraded from Moderate to High. Severe August 26, 2026 floods affected six districts, and Nepal declared 15 municipalities disaster crisis-affected. Displacement, WASH damage, access disruption, and surveillance needs remain material.

Why it matters

WHO reports roughly 10,000 households needing immediate relief, three health posts fully damaged, one hospital partially damaged, and access to two hospitals affected — disrupting care exactly when needs rise.

Primary sources

• WHO Nepal — 2026 Rasuwa flash floods (opens in a new tab)

What changed

CDC reported 17% more rabies-related inquiries in July–August 2026 than in the same period of 2025; at least eight state health departments reported increased use of, or administration errors in, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

Why it matters

Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms begin but remains preventable with timely, correctly administered PEP. The reported administration errors point to a need for clinician and public awareness.

Primary sources

• CDC — Statement on recent animal rabies activity and human exposures (opens in a new tab)
• CDC Health Alert Network — HAN00533 (opens in a new tab)

What changed

Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend (10 oz; lot 6040 01-6; best by February 9, 2028; UPC 7874211226) was recalled for possible Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC O145).

Why it matters

STEC O145 can cause serious illness. The FDA notice said no illnesses were linked to this specific product at the time of posting, so this is a precautionary recall — check freezers for the affected lot and discard or return it.

Primary sources

• FDA — Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. recall expansion (Great Value frozen organic triple berry) (opens in a new tab)

What changed

CDC lists northwest Costa Rica among current outbreak areas and recommends vaccination for travelers visiting an outbreak area. An ECDC assessment dated August 10, 2026 reported 82 cases in 2026 versus eight in 2025.

Why it matters

Chikungunya is mosquito-borne and can cause severe, sometimes long-lasting joint pain. Travelers to the affected region should review current CDC guidance before and during travel.

Primary sources

• CDC — Chikungunya data and maps (opens in a new tab)
• ECDC — Chikungunya monthly assessment (opens in a new tab)

What changed

September 17, 2026: downgraded from Significant to Watch as recent infections declined. CDC reports 19,883 laboratory-confirmed domestically acquired cases with onset May 1–August 31, 2026, 1,064 hospitalizations, and two deaths across 49 states and D.C. The linked Taylor Farms iceberg-lettuce outbreak ended September 11, 2026: 12,883 cases, 570 hospitalizations, and two deaths across 21 states.

Why it matters

The wider 2026 season total and the ended Taylor Farms lettuce cluster are different datasets and should not be added together. CDC says there is no continuing risk from the lettuce source; the broader season, and separate cluster investigations, are why this stays on watch.

Primary sources

• CDC — Cyclosporiasis surveillance cases (opens in a new tab)
• CDC — Cyclosporiasis outbreak investigation (July 2026) (opens in a new tab)

What changed

September 18, 2026: desk language updated from outlook to active advisory. NOAA's September 10, 2026 ENSO Diagnostic Discussion says El Niño is strengthening, with a greater than 90% chance of a very strong event during Northern Hemisphere fall and winter 2026–27.

Why it matters

El Niño shifts the odds of extreme heat, flooding, drought, and vector-borne disease, but public-health consequences vary by region and depend on local hazards and vulnerability. Impacts are more likely, not guaranteed — so this is a watch, not a prediction.

Primary sources

• NOAA Climate Prediction Center — ENSO Diagnostic Discussion (opens in a new tab)