The World Health Organization warns of rapid spread of chikungunya from Indian Ocean islands into Africa, Asia and Europe that could soon affect billions of people. This follows the major surges of cases in La reunion, Mayotte and Mauritius earlier this year. WHO observes similar warning signs as in the last major outbreak 2 decades ago that affected half a million people worldwide.

The current epidemiological situation calls for increase disease surveillance and preparedness in regions where suitable vector of chikungunya is present.

A recent publication report that in 2024, a farmer was bitten by his cow after the animal itself has been bitten by a suspected rabid stray dog. The farmer who had prior rabies vaccination immediately received postexposure prophylaxis (booster). Three weeks later the cow showed abnormal behavior and died; laboratory tests confirmed rabies.

Rabies remains endemic in Pakistan, causing 2,000–5,000 deaths annually, mainly among children and rural populations. However, this annual death toll is variable due to the unavailability of reliable rabies data. More than 1.5 million dog bites happen each year in Pakistan, especially in cities like Karachi.

While dogs are the primary source of human rabies, this case demonstrates that livestock can also transmit the virus, particularly in areas with limited veterinary oversight. Rabies in cattle is underreported and more common than often thought. The incident underscores the importance of strong surveillance and improved access to vaccines for both humans and animals.

In 2025 and as of 16 July 2025, 4 locally transmitted cases have been reported from 3 European countries: Portugal (2), Italy (1), France (1).

In 2025 and as of 16 July 2025, 31 locally transmitted cases have been reported from France (30) and Italy (1). 

A 44-year-old man died of rabies 5 months after being bitten by a stray dog. He did not receive post-exposure prophylaxis. This is Romania’s first officially confirmed human rabies death since 2012.

With the arrival of the summer and increases in sea surface temperatures, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is highlighting the seasonal risk posed by Vibrio bacteria.

The bacteria live naturally in brackish coastal waters, where saltwater and freshwater mix, especially when temperatures are high and salinity is lower.

Infections with Vibrio sp. are rare. If saltwater is swallowed or shellfish or mussels are eaten, the bacteria can be ingested and lead to gastroenteritis. If the bacteria enter the body through small skin lesions (e.g., injuries to coral or fish spines), there is a risk of fulminant sepsis, especially in immunocompromised individuals or those with chronic liver or kidney disease, diabetes, or iron storage disease. The bacterium is inactivated by cooking or freezing.

As of 9 June 2025, public health authorities in France have reported 25 cases of locally acquired chikungunya virus disease in 11 different local administrative units. All clusters are currently classified as active. The largest cluster consists of 10 cases and is located in Salon-de-Provence, Bouches-du-Rhône department.

This week authorities reported the first locally acquired chikungunya virus disease case from the Gironde department. In the previous week authorities reported the first locally acquired chikungunya virus disease case from the Bas-Rhin department. The other departments have reported locally acquired chikungunya virus disease or dengue cases in previous years.

On 13 July 2025,  a likely autochthonous case of chikungunya has been confirmed in the province of Piacenza, Emilia Romagna Region. The patient is an Italian man, resident in Castel San Giovanni, in the Pievetta area, aged over 65, who in recent days has presented with fever, musculoskeletal pain and conjunctivitis. The patient has not travelled to areas where the disease is endemic.

In July 2025, a child died from acute measles at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, marking the first pediatric measles death in over five years in England. The death happened during a local outbreak linked to vaccination rates below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity.

Measles outbreaks are currently occurring in Europe and many other countries around the world.