After the covid pandemic, many people have become more vigilant in monitoring the spread of various contagious diseases across in the US. This is why we are providing information on 2026-Contagious Diseases Update: COVID-19, measles, nipah, bird flu, monkey pox and more. Read on.

MEASLES (Rubeola)

Just keeping you posted about the growing number of measles cases. While measles is known for its characteristic rash, it is actually spread by the respiratory route: coughing and sneezing.

Case Numbers in the US

According to the CDC, in January 13, 2026, there were 171 confirmed cases in non-travelers. Today (Jan 30, 2026) there are 416 confirmed cases (big growth in South Carolina and Utah). Three of these have been caught during travel. Last year, there were 2242 cases - a 30-year high after the disease was declared eliminated in 2000, and a 31-fold increase over 2024. According to the same source, most of these cases have not been immunized against measles.

Symptoms

In case you run into these symptoms, think measles:

• High fever (often >104°F)

• Cough, runny nose, red watery eyes

• Koplik spots (tiny white spots inside the mouth)

• Rash that spreads from the face to the body

  
  

Why Should You Care?

Measles is highly contagious. It can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis, ear infections, and occasionally dehydration due to diarrhea, and can occasionally be fatal.

Prevention: Hygiene & Exposure Response

• Avoid contact with infected individuals.

• Airborne precautions: The measles virus can remain airborne for up to 2 hours.

• Post-exposure prophylaxis:

  - MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure may prevent illness.

  - Immune globulin within 6 days for high-risk individuals (e.g., infants, pregnant women, immunocompromised). Discuss any concerns about this with your healthcare provider.

Primary Prevention: MMR Vaccine

• Two doses of MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella):

  - First dose: 12–15 months old.

  - Second dose: 4–6 years old.

• Effectiveness: ~97% protection after two doses.

• Adults: If unsure of immunity, a blood test can confirm it. Vaccination is recommended for those born after 1957 without documented immunity.

  
  

Explore more information about measles and vaccinations here.

THE NIPAH VIRUS

A few cases of the Nipah Viirus, a zoonotic virus (typically spread from animals) have recently been found in a few humans in India. It can spread from animals to humans, contaminated food to humans and on rare occasions human to human. It is currently contained in India and has not been discovered in any other countries. The fatality rate is 40-75% depending on healthcare access and it presents with typical viral symptoms, fever, headache, cough, sore throat, sometimes vomiting but may progress to more severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, and rapid development (24-48 hours) of confusion, seizures, encephalitis (brain inflammation), coma. There is no vaccine and treatment is supportive. There have been periodic outbreaks of this virus in India since 2001.

Bird Flu Cases Increasing in Some States

BIRD FLU (H5N1) (Avian Flu)

Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a viral infection that primarily affects birds but has recently spread to mammals and humans. The current strain of concern, H5N1, is highly pathogenic and has infected dairy cows, cats, and farm workers in the U.S.

Bird flu remains widespread among birds, and there is ongoing spread among animals (primarily dairy cattle), but the numbers are not increasing. Human cases remain low and are not increasing, though it is hard to tell without further testing because H1N1 tests as influenza A.

Noted in January 6, 2026: According to the City University of New York Publications, there have been 168,331,727 birds infected with bird flu since 2022. And within the last 30 days, the USDA reported that 880,000 birds (poultry) were affected by bird flu (culled or approximately 5-20% infected). These numbers are increasing. According to the University of Minnesota, since 2024, bird flu cases have been detected in 1,009 dairy herds across the US, with new detections still occurring but possibly on the decline. Sadly, there has been little decline in bird flu cases. There have also been 2 deaths and 71 confirmed human cases (most of these occurred in 2024-25). Importantly, there has been no known human-to-human transmission.

How is the Bird Flu Transmitted?

• Through direct contact with infected birds, animals, or contaminated environments.

• Via respiratory droplets, animal waste, or contaminated surfaces.

• According to the CDC, human-to-human transmission has not been sustained, but rare close contact has led to sporadic transmission in other countries.

  
  

Interestingly, bird flu will show up as a positive influenza A on standard rapid flu tests. So if a person with "flu" symptoms, who regularly handles birds or livestock, gets a flu test, they need to mention it to a healthcare provider so they can be tested specifically for avian flu. There have been no cases of person-to-person spread of avian flu in the US.

Can I Catch Bird Flu if I Eat an Infected Animal?

Can you get bird flu from eating an egg from an infected bird? Rarely, but nevertheless, cook your eggs well! This is also true for eating infected chicken: Heating chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) destroys avian influenza and other pathogens. Avoid raw milk: Milk pasteurization helps prevent the spread of infection from infected cattle.

Chagas - The Latest Endemic Disease in the US

Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is transmitted by triatomine bugs, commonly known as "kissing bugs." Until 2013, this disease was primarily found in Latin America. However, it has now spread to three southern states and has been detected in 31 states overall. The disease has been reported in parts of eight southernmost states: Texas, California, Arizona, Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Missouri, and Tennessee.

How is It Spread?

Chagas is spread when an infected triatomine bug bites the victim and defecates near the bite. Parasites in the feces can enter the body through the bite wound, mucous membranes (eyes or mouth), or broken skin—especially if someone unknowingly rubs or scratches the area.

What Are the Symptoms?

Some people do not experience symptoms at all, while others may develop mild acute symptoms. Chronic disease symptoms affect approximately 20–30% of infected individuals.

Two Notable Stages of Chagas Symptoms Include:

• Stage One

  - Fever and fatigue

  - Body aches and headache

  - Swelling at the bite site or around the eye (Romaña’s sign)

  - Rash, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

  - Enlarged lymph nodes, liver, or spleen

• Stage Two (10-20 years later, severe symptoms can develop)

  - Irregular heartbeat or heart failure

  - Sudden cardiac arrest

  - Difficulty swallowing or chronic constipation

  - Enlarged esophagus or colon

How Is It Diagnosed?

Diagnosis can be challenging. The acute phase has symptoms common to many other illnesses. A healthcare provider may ask about symptoms, travel history, and potential exposure to kissing bugs. Blood tests are used for diagnosis. In the acute phase, diagnosis may involve direct detection of the parasite in blood. In the chronic phase, at least two positive serologic tests detecting antibodies to different T. cruzi antigens are required. If late-stage Chagas is suspected, cardiac evaluation and gastrointestinal imaging may be performed to determine the extent of damage caused by the parasite.

West Nile Disease - Increasing in the US - 40% Higher Than Usual for This Time of Year

West Nile virus cases are increasing across the U.S., especially in the Midwest (especially Colorado) and Northeast. Here's a snapshot of the current situation:

Rising Case Counts

• According to MedicalXpress, 1,137 reported human cases have been reported nationwide as of September 30, 2025, across 42 states.

• North Dakota alone has reported 78 cases, more than their total for all of 2024.

• Minnesota and the greater Midwest are seeing a surge in Culex tarsalis mosquitoes carrying the virus.

• Connecticut and New York have confirmed infected mosquito pools, with human cases rising in the tri-state area.

• Colorado leads in cases with 220.

  
  

Severity Trends

• Over half of reported cases are neuroinvasive, meaning the virus has entered the nervous system, causing serious complications like brain swelling or paralysis.

• People over 60 and those with underlying health conditions are at greater risk for severe illness.

  
  

Why the Spike?

• High mosquito populations due to warm, wet conditions.

• Earlier seasonal activity than usual, with peak transmission typically in late August.

• Climate shifts are expanding mosquito habitats and prolonging breeding seasons.

  
  

Prevention Tips

• Use EPA-registered insect repellents (DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus).

• Wear long sleeves and pants, especially at dusk and dawn.

• Eliminate standing water around your home.

• Keep window and door screens in good repair.

  
  

What's Happening With Monkeypox (Mpox)? Why Aren't We Hearing About This?

Current Trends

Monkeypox (or mpox) is a viral disease in the same family as smallpox. It causes flu-like symptoms and a distinctive rash that can appear anywhere on the body, including the face, hands, and genitals. The rash progresses through stages—flat spots, blisters, scabs—and can last 2 to 4 weeks.

As of September 2025, the CDC has reported a noticeable uptick in mpox cases in the United States:

Year-to-date cases: According to the CDC, there have been 26,049 active cases in the US, a huge leap from 2023 when there were only 1,000-1,200 cases. These cases have primarily been found in major hubs:

  - California – 5,010 cases

  - New York – 3,948 cases

  - Florida – 2,543 cases

  - Texas – 2,372 cases

Wastewater surveillance and syndromic tracking are being used to detect early clusters in urban areas.

Who Gets Mpox?

Anyone can get mpox through close, skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal. However, certain at-risk groups include:

• Gay and bisexual men

• People with multiple sexual partners

• Individuals with weakened immune systems

  
  

How Does It Spread?

• Direct contact with rash, scabs, or bodily fluids

• Intimate or sexual contact

• Contaminated objects like bedding or clothing

  
  

Symptoms of Monkeypox

Flu-like symptoms typically appear 1-5 days before the rash:

• Fever

• Headache

• Muscle aches

• Back pain

• Swollen lymph nodes (a key differentiator from smallpox)

• Chills

• Exhaustion

• Rash

  
  

Stages of the Monkeypox rash have various characteristics—stages may overlap:

• Macules – Flat, discolored spots

• Papules – Raised, firm bumps

• Vesicles – Fluid-filled blisters with clear liquid

• Pustules – Blisters filled with opaque pus; often deep-seated and painful

• Scabs – Crusting and healing phase

  
  

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made through a thorough patient history, an exam, and a culture of one of the lesions.

While most people don't need to worry about mpox, it is good to be aware of: It is typically self-limiting and affects at-risk groups more than others. Of course, it's always good to be cautious around anyone with a rash or illness.

Prevention

If you are concerned about getting monkeypox, there is a vaccine: JYNNEOS - It is FDA-approved to protect against both mpox and smallpox. Learn more about Mpox on the CDC website.

COVID-19, Measles, Nipah, Bird Flu, Monkey Pox and More: Chikungunya

We're also hearing more about Chikungunya these days. No, it is not the next COVID. With over 7,000 cases reported in China’s Guangdong province, this is considered an epidemic in that area, but as of September 2025, cases have been declining due to their aggressive containment measures—including mosquito-netted hospital beds and drone patrols. Some are calling Chikungunya “COVID 2.0.” Let's explore why:

What Makes Chikungunya Different from COVID-19:

• Transmission: COVID-19 spreads through respiratory droplets; Chikungunya requires a mosquito bite from an infected Aedes mosquito (which also transmits dengue and Zika).

• Contagiousness: COVID-19 is contagious person-to-person. Chikungunya is not contagious between people.

• Global Risk: COVID-19 had pandemic potential due to airborne spread. Chikungunya outbreaks are geographically limited and require specific environmental conditions. This particular mosquito likes warm, humid climates/tropical areas.

  
  

What Makes Chikungunya Concerning:

• Rapid Spread in Non-Immune Populations: In areas like mainland China, where immunity is low, outbreaks can escalate quickly. The 2025 outbreak in Guangdong has been linked to extreme monsoon rains and flooding, which created ideal breeding conditions for Aedes mosquitoes.

• Symptoms: Joint pain, fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, and rash can be debilitating. Symptoms usually last for about one week, but joint pain may persist for weeks or even months, and in rare cases, for years. It is rarely fatal, and most people spontaneously recover fully within 1–2 weeks. Severe or prolonged symptoms are more common in high-risk groups, including older adults and those with underlying health conditions.

  
  

Climate Amplification

Monsoon rains and rising temperatures are known to amplify mosquito populations by increasing breeding sites and accelerating mosquito development and virus replication.

Why It’s Not “COVID 2.0” for the U.S.:

• The U.S. has limited mosquito vectors, strong public health surveillance, and low local transmission risk.

• In the U.S., low levels of circulating virus mean there's little chance for a large-scale epidemic.

• A single-dose vaccine (IXCHIQ) is available for travelers aged 18–64, offering protection before visiting endemic areas.

  
  

Emerging Vaccines & Prevention

• Most of those who have had the virus are immune.

• While there's no specific antiviral treatment, two vaccines have received regulatory approval in some countries and are being considered for broader use: VLA1553 (Valneva) and CHIKV VLP (Bharat Biotech). They have received regulatory approval or emergency use authorization in select countries and are under review for broader deployment.

• Preventive measures include mosquito control, insect repellents, eliminating standing water, mosquito netting (if in a high-risk area), and checking travel advisories before traveling to a country. These preventive measures are common standard recommendations for Aedes mosquito control and also help reduce the transmission of other mosquito-borne diseases, including West Nile virus, Zika, and malaria.

  
  

Diagnosis

Confirmation through blood testing. In the acute phase, diagnosis may involve RT-PCR or virus isolation. In the chronic phase, serologic testing is used to detect antibodies.

Treatment is Symptomatic

There is no specific antiviral treatment for Chikungunya. Management focuses on relieving symptoms.

• Rest and hydration: Essential for recovery.

• Pain relief:

  - Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is preferred initially, especially in dengue-endemic areas, to avoid bleeding risks.

  - NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) may be used once dengue is ruled out.

• Anti-inflammatory therapy:

  - Corticosteroids are generally not recommended during the acute phase but may be considered for persistent post-viral arthritis in the chronic phase.

  - Physical therapy can aid recovery in chronic arthritis cases.

• Antipyretics to lower fever.

  
  

The Timeline:

• 1950s - Found in Africa and Asia.

• 1950 to 2000 - Africa, Asia, Thailand, and India.

• 2004-2005 - Epidemic in Kenya, Indian Ocean Islands, Southeast Asia, India.

• 2013-2014 - Spread to the Caribbean and the Americas.

• 2025 - Over 110 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas report cases.

• Currently in the U.S.: According to the CDC, 76 travel-related cases of Chikungunya have been reported in 2025 as of mid-September. No locally acquired mosquito-related cases have been confirmed in U.S. states or territories since 2019.

• China Confirmed Cases: Over 8,000 confirmed cases have been reported since July 2025, making it the largest documented outbreak of Chikungunya in mainland China. Foshan City in Guangdong Province is the epicenter, with over 87% of cases concentrated in Shunde District. There is an active CDC Level 2 travel alert advising travelers to take enhanced precautions.

• Worldwide: As of late August 2025, over 317,000 cases and 135 deaths have been reported globally across 16 countries and territories.

  
  

CDC Travel Advisories

     Recent Accounts of Legionnaires Disease

Maybe you recall the last big outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in 2015, when there were 138 confirmed cases and 16 deaths, all due to one cooling tower in a building in the Bronx, NY. Because reporting is scant, it is unclear whether or not cases are rising.

In July 2025, it hit at least 11 buildings (contaminated cooling towers) in Central Harlem, NY (zip codes 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10392). As of late August 2025, there were 67 confirmed cases and three deaths from that outbreak. Legionnaires' disease is relatively uncommon in the US.

What is it?

Caused by Legionella pneumophila, a bacterium that thrives in warm, stagnant water. It is spread through the inhalation of mist from sources such as cooling towers, fountains, and hot tubs. It is not contagious—it does not spread from person to person.

Symptoms

Cough, fever, chills, muscle aches, shortness of breath, and it is most likely to affect people with risk factors like old age or immunity issues.

Why Does This Happen?

Environmental temperatures and conditions, pipe and equipment maintenance, AC overuse or stagnation, poor maintenance, and lack of disinfection are contributing factors. They are required to have mandatory inspections and follow disinfection protocols.

Final Thoughts

Why mRNA Matters

mRNA technology allows scientists to:

• Rapidly develop vaccines in response to emerging variants.

• Tailor protection to specific strains like COVID-19, flu, RSV, and even bird flu.

• Explore treatments for cancer, HIV, and autoimmune diseases.

  
  

Experts say this platform saved millions of lives during the pandemic and remains one of the fastest, safest, and most adaptable tools in modern medicine.

What These Cuts Could Mean

1. Slower Response to Future Variants: Without federal support, companies may struggle to update vaccines quickly as new strains emerge.

2. Reduced Pandemic Preparedness.

3. Impact on Other Diseases: Projects targeting HIV, cancer, Zika, and malaria are now at risk. Some contracts have already been canceled.

4. Shift to Older Technologies: Kennedy is redirecting funds to whole-virus and traditional platforms, which are slower to develop and may carry more side effects.

5. Decrease Biodefense Capabilities.

   
   

What You Can Do

• Stay informed: Share evidence-based updates with your audience.

• Advocate for science: Support continued innovation in vaccine technology.

• Get vaccinated: Updated COVID-19 shots will still be available this fall, especially for older adults and high-risk groups.

• Take precautions: Keep your distance, wear a mask in crowded places, wash your hands, optimize your immune system with adequate rest, vitamins, and supplements, and avoid stress.

  
  

  Every day brings something new—a new virus, or an old one rearing its ugly head. New side effects we learn about medicines, recalls, and sometimes the revelation that a long-trusted product is toxic. And, sometimes, we actually uncover something that is truly good! A new treatment, a new medical breakthrough. Good or bad, there is always something new. What's New in Health and Medicine will bring you some of these updates every week, as things change.

  As a nurse practitioner and health communicator, I believe in empowering you with facts—not fear. This year’s vaccine rollout may feel confusing, but with the right information, you can make informed choices for yourself and your family.