The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are recommending a pause in the use of Ixchiq® (Chikungunya Vaccine, Live) in individuals 60 years of age and older while the Agencies investigate postmarketing reports of serious adverse events, including neurologic and cardiac events, in individuals who have received the vaccine.

As of May 7, 2025, 17 serious adverse events, including two that resulted in death, have been reported in individuals 62 through 89 years of age who received Ixchiq during postmarketing use globally. Six of these reports have been from the United States (U.S.). Most U.S. and foreign serious adverse events that have been reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), co-managed by FDA and CDC, have been in individuals with underlying chronic medical conditions. Adverse events reported to VAERS may not be causally related to vaccination. Approximately 80’000 doses of Ixchiq® have been distributed globally.

More details, see LINK. For the statement of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) see EpiNews as of 8 May 2025.

Since late 2023, Morocco has faced a widespread measles outbreak that began in the Souss Massa region and gradually spread nationwide. Between 1 October 2023 and 13 April 2025, over 25’000 suspected cases were reported across all 12 regions, including 13’706 confirmed cases and 184 deaths. During the week ending 27 April 2025, Morocco reported 995 suspected measles cases, representing an incidence rate of 2.7 per 100,000 population.

Although the outbreak peaked in late January 2025, a steady decline in cases has been observed over the past ten weeks.

Zimbabwe is currently experiencing a significant increase in malaria cases and fatalities. Compared to the previous year, cases have surged by 180%, from 21’309 in 2024 to 59’647 during the same period in 2025.

The outbreak is largely attributed to a combination of environmental and behavioral factors. Increased rainfall, humidity and temperatures have created favorable conditions for mosquito breeding. At the same time, more people are engaging in outdoor activities such as artisanal mining and farming, and cross-border trading.

Since 2023, Brazil has experienced a notable rise in hepatitis A cases among adults, prompting the Ministry of Health to broaden vaccine access. While the disease was traditionally more common in children lacking proper sanitation, recent trends show a shift toward adult infections, with sexual transmission - especially through anal sex - emerging as a key mode of contagion. In 2023, about 69.5% of cases occurred in adult men.

The Czech Republic is experiencing a growing surge in hepatitis A cases, with no signs of slowing. In the first four months of 2025 alone, 450 infections and 6 deaths have been reported—compared to 636 cases and 2 deaths during all of 2024.

Health officials warn the true number of infections is likely much higher, given the challenges in tracking the virus spread. The highest number of hepatitis A cases in 2025 have been reported in Prague, the surrounding Central Bohemian region, and the Moravia-Silesian region, which borders Poland and Slovakia. According to officials, the virus is spreading primarily among children, teenagers, young adults, and individuals engaged in "risky behavior." In Prague, nearly one in three patients are homeless, with many also struggling with drug use.

The year 2025 is considered a Holy Jubilee year. It will take place in Rome, Italy, and the Vatican City State, in 2025. Also known as a Holy Year, the Jubilee is one of the Catholic Church’s major global events, expected to draw more than 30 million visitors, spread out across the year, until its end on 6 January 2026. Traditionally held every 25 years, it is a period during which pilgrims travel to Rome and the Vatican and visit certain designated churches and attend religious services.

Chikungunya virus is re-expanding across the Southwest Indian Ocean.

Mayotte: As of 2 May 2025, a total of 89 chikungunya cases have now been reported in Mayotte. This includes 28 locally acquired cases. The last outbreak of chikungunya occurred in 2006.

Mauritius has reported at least 17 cases.

La Réunion: As of 30 April 2025, over 44,000 confirmed chikungunya cases (including 9 deaths) on the island since the start of 2025. The outbreak is ongoing and widespread throughout Réunion. 

According to media, a 35‑year‑old resident of Ulyanovsk, Russia died from malaria complications after returning from a February 2025 trip to Zanzibar. Initially treated for influenza, he was later diagnosed with malaria in hospital but succumbed despite care. Neither he nor his pregnant wife had taken the recommended antimalarial prophylaxis.

Malaria is endemic in both Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania, with incidence rates rising in recent years.

As of April 28, 2025, Ecuador’s Public Health Minister reported three confirmed yellow fever cases, with a fourth currently under investigation. The first case was detected in the province of Zamora Chinchipe, located at the southeastern end of the Amazon Basin.

In other countries of South America an upsurge in yellow fever cases is seen this year, see EpiNews 1.5.2025. In response, Ecuador has announced that, effective 12 May 2025, travellers entering the country will be required to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate. This requirement applies to:

• Travellers of Peruvian, Colombian, Bolivian, or Brazilian nationality or residency.
• Travellers of any nationality or residency who have stayed more than 10 days in, or transited through, any of these countries before entering Ecuador.