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UKHSA Publishes First Cold Mortality Report: During England’s winter 2024-25, 2,544 deaths were associated with cold weather, primarily through indirect pathways such as heart attacks, strokes, and respiratory problems. Adults aged 65+ and cardiovascular disease patients are at highest risk. (uk_ukhsa_updates) [NEW THIS WEEK]
ECDC/EFSA Issues Foodborne Bacteria Antimicrobial Resistance Warning: Ciprofloxacin resistance in Salmonella and Campylobacter remains persistently high, with ciprofloxacin no longer recommended for Campylobacter infections. Carbapenemase-producing E. coli detection rates in food-producing animals and meat are rising, emphasizing the importance of the One Health strategy. (ecdc_cdtr) [NEW THIS WEEK]
UK Releases RSV Vaccine PGD Template: UKHSA publishes the Patient Group Direction (PGD) template for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, supporting the national vaccination programme for pregnant women and adults aged 75+. (uk_ukhsa_updates)
HCID Risk List Updated: UKHSA updates the global High Consequence Infectious Disease (HCID) national risk list. Nipah virus outbreak confirmed in West Bengal, India on January 13, 2026. (uk_ukhsa_updates) [NEW THIS WEEK]
Measles and Pertussis Contact Monitoring Ongoing: Taiwan’s first imported measles case of the year (400 contacts monitored until 2/28) and first pertussis case (household contacts monitored until 3/4) continue under surveillance. (tw_cdc_alerts)
Mpox Surveillance Continues: UKHSA continues updating clade Ib and clade IIb epidemiological overview, tracking UK case trends with global vigilance maintained. (uk_ukhsa_updates)
Based on this week’s epidemic developments, the following actions are recommended:
| Target Population | Recommended Vaccine | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Travelers to measles-endemic areas | MMR vaccine (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) | 🔴 High |
| Pregnant women (to protect infants) | RSV vaccine, Tdap vaccine (pertussis) | 🟡 Medium |
| Adults aged 75+ | RSV vaccine, Influenza vaccine | 🟡 Medium |
| Children aged 1+ | MMR vaccine (verify vaccination record) | 🟡 Medium |
| Destination | Alert Level | Risk | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Bengal, India | 🔴 High Risk | Nipah virus | Avoid non-essential travel |
| Vietnam, Japan | 🟡 Medium Risk | Measles | Verify MMR vaccination status |
| China, Cambodia | 🟡 Medium Risk | Avian influenza H5N1 | Avoid contact with live poultry |
UKHSA First Cold Mortality Report (UK): UKHSA published England’s first annual cold mortality monitoring report on 2/18. During winter 2024-25, 2,544 deaths were associated with three cold wave events. The report reveals the hidden health impacts of cold weather - primarily through indirect pathways such as heart attacks, strokes, and respiratory problems rather than direct hypothermia. High-risk groups include adults aged 65+, cardiovascular and respiratory disease patients, and dementia patients.
Foodborne Bacteria Antimicrobial Resistance Warning (Europe): ECDC and EFSA published a joint report on 2/18, indicating that ciprofloxacin resistance in Salmonella and Campylobacter remains persistently high, with ciprofloxacin no longer recommended for Campylobacter infections. More concerning is the rising detection of carbapenemase-producing E. coli in food-producing animals and meat - carbapenems are last-resort antibiotics for humans.
HCID National Risk List Update (UK): UKHSA updated the global High Consequence Infectious Disease risk list on 2/18, covering multiple pathogens including Ebola, Marburg virus, Nipah virus, and avian influenza. The list specifically notes the Nipah virus outbreak confirmed in Barasat, West Bengal, India on January 13, 2026.
RSV Vaccine PGD Template (UK): UKHSA published the RSV vaccine Patient Group Direction template on 2/17, providing standardized vaccination guidance for healthcare practitioners, supporting the national vaccination programme for pregnant women and adults aged 75+. This is an important guidance document for the RSV vaccine programme.
ECDC and PHAC International Cooperation: On 2/16, the Public Health Agency of Canada President visited ECDC, reflecting continued deepening of transatlantic public health cooperation, enhancing coordinated response capabilities to cross-border public health threats.
Measles: 400 contacts of Taiwan’s first imported case (from Vietnam) continue monitoring until February 28. Global measles situation remains serious with 7,655 cases in Europe in 2025, 80% unvaccinated.
Pertussis (Whooping Cough): Household contacts of Taiwan’s first pertussis case continue monitoring until March 4. Global situation is severe, with Japan reporting over 80,000 cases last year - the highest on record.
Mpox (Monkeypox): UKHSA continues updating clade Ib and clade IIb epidemiological overview (updated 2/12), maintaining surveillance.
Influenza: Taiwan at peak influenza season, with 529 severe cases and 97 deaths this season. Approximately 93,000 doses of government-funded vaccine remain available.
Nipah Virus Disease: Outbreak in West Bengal, India continues under monitoring, with UKHSA adding it to the HCID risk list. Taiwan plans to list “Nipah virus infection” as a Category 5 notifiable disease by mid-March.
Avian Influenza H5N1: Winter peak continues with 30 human infections globally in 2025. Taiwan maintains Level 2 travel advisory for China and Cambodia.
This week's major epidemics remain stable, with measles and pertussis as sporadic cases, antimicrobial resistance monitoring report as annual data, and Nipah virus maintained under observation with no new cases.
Cold weather affects health primarily through indirect pathways such as heart attacks, strokes, and respiratory problems rather than direct hypothermia. These effects may manifest days or even weeks after exposure.
UKHSA published its first annual cold mortality monitoring report on February 18, revealing the hidden health impacts of cold weather:
Key Findings (Winter 2024-25):
| Cold Wave Event | Duration | Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| November cold wave | Short-term | 421 |
| Early January (first) | Short-term | 493 |
| Early January (main event) | 6 days | 1,630 |
| Total | - | 2,544 |
High-Risk Groups:
Mortality Timing Effects:
Even short-term cold can lead to significant increases in mortality, typically occurring days or weeks after exposure. — Dr Agostinho Sousa, UKHSA Chief Medical Advisor, 2026-02-18
Vulnerability Trends: Compared to the past five years, mortality risk rises more steeply as temperatures drop, potentially driven by population aging and increased disease burden.
Sources:
| Date | Title | Source | Relevance Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-02-18 | Cold mortality monitoring report, England: winter 2024 to 2025 | UKHSA | 0.72 |
| 2026-01-23 | Yellow cold-health alert issued for North West and North East England | UKHSA | 0.61 |
| 2021-02-18 | Death Rates Attributed to Excessive Cold or Hypothermia (US) | US CDC MMWR | 0.57 |
Ciprofloxacin resistance in Salmonella and Campylobacter remains persistently high, with ciprofloxacin no longer recommended for Campylobacter infections. The rising detection of carbapenemase-producing E. coli in food-producing animals is a serious warning sign.
ECDC and EFSA published a joint report on February 18:
Key Findings:
| Resistance Type | Status | Risk Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Ciprofloxacin | High resistance in Salmonella, Campylobacter | No longer recommended for Campylobacter |
| Ampicillin, Tetracyclines, Sulfonamides | Widespread resistance | Continued monitoring |
| Carbapenems | Rising carbapenemase-producing E. coli detection | Serious warning |
Critical Carbapenem Warning:
Improving Trends:
Recommendation: Adopt One Health strategy, coordinating actions across human health, animal health, and food production sectors.
Source: ecdc_cdtr/guidance/2026-02-18-antimicrobial-resistance-foodborne-bacteria.md [NEW THIS WEEK]
| Date | Title | Source | Relevance Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-05-30 | Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella Newport in Mexico | US CDC Travel | 0.54 |
| 2023-11-09 | MDR Salmonella Newport Linked to Travel to Mexico | US CDC MMWR | 0.52 |
| 2024-07-03 | Reported Incidence of Foodborne Pathogen Infections | US CDC MMWR | 0.51 |
The UK RSV vaccine programme targets pregnant women (to protect infants), adults aged 75+, and care home residents.
UKHSA published the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine Patient Group Direction (PGD) template on February 17:
Target Groups:
Programme Significance:
Source: uk_ukhsa_updates/guidance/2026-02-17-respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv-vaccine-pgd-template.md
| Date | Title | Source | Relevance Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-02-12 | RSV older adults vaccination coverage in England | UKHSA | 0.72 |
| 2024-05-30 | Early Safety Findings Among Persons Aged 60+ Who Received RSV Vaccine | US CDC MMWR | 0.65 |
| 2024-09-26 | Maternal RSV Vaccination and Receipt of Nirsevimab by Infants | US CDC MMWR | 0.64 |
| 2023-07-20 | Use of RSV Vaccines in Older Adults: ACIP Recommendations | US CDC MMWR | 0.64 |
High Consequence Infectious Diseases (HCIDs) are infectious diseases with high mortality rates, potential for human-to-human transmission, no effective treatment or vaccine, and requiring specialized infection control measures. Examples include Ebola, Marburg virus, and Nipah virus.
UKHSA updated the global High Consequence Infectious Disease (HCID) national risk list on February 18:
Covered High Consequence Infectious Diseases:
Risk Evidence Categories:
Latest Outbreak Alert: Nipah virus outbreak confirmed in Barasat, West Bengal, India on January 13, 2026.
Source: uk_ukhsa_updates/guidance/2026-02-18-high-consequence-infectious-disease-country-specific-risk.md [NEW THIS WEEK]
ECDC-PHAC cooperation aims to strengthen global health security mechanisms, promote best practice exchange in epidemic surveillance and risk assessment, and enhance coordinated response capabilities to cross-border public health threats.
Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) President Nancy Hamzawi visited ECDC on February 16:
Visit Objectives:
Public Health Significance: This high-level visit reflects continued deepening of transatlantic public health cooperation, facilitating:
Source: ecdc_cdtr/situational_update/2026-02-16-phac-visits-ecdc-collaboration.md
The UK childhood vaccination campaign aims to increase routine childhood vaccination rates, strengthen parental awareness of vaccination importance, and reduce the spread of preventable diseases among children.
UKHSA launched a new childhood vaccination promotion campaign on February 16:
Campaign Objectives:
Supporting Measures:
This campaign reflects UK authorities' ongoing efforts to maintain high vaccination coverage rates, particularly following vaccine hesitancy in some areas post-pandemic. — UKHSA Vaccination Campaign, 2026-02-16
Sources:
400 contacts of Taiwan's first imported measles case of the year continue monitoring until February 28; global situation remains serious with 7,655 cases in Europe in 2025, 80% unvaccinated.
Taiwan Contact Monitoring Ongoing:
Global Situation:
Source: tw_cdc_alerts/imported_case/2026-02-12-measles-imported-case-vietnam.md
| Date | Title | Source | Relevance Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-04-11 | Measles - United States, January 2020-March 2024 | US CDC MMWR | 0.65 |
| 2023-11-16 | Progress Toward Measles Elimination - Worldwide, 2000-2022 | US CDC MMWR | 0.64 |
| 2026-01-29 | Measles Outbreak Associated with an Infectious Traveler - Colorado | US CDC MMWR | 0.63 |
Taiwan Contact Monitoring Ongoing:
Global Situation Severe:
Key to pertussis prevention is vaccination: infants receive five doses on schedule; pregnant women are recommended to receive Tdap vaccine during weeks 27-36 of pregnancy to transfer maternal antibodies to newborns.
Source: tw_cdc_alerts/domestic_outbreak/2026-02-12-pertussis-first-case.md
| Date | Title | Source | Relevance Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-02-04 | Pertussis: laboratory confirmed cases reported in England 2025 | UKHSA | 0.64 |
| 2026-02-05 | Outbreaks under monitoring in 2026 | UKHSA | 0.59 |
UKHSA continues updating Mpox clade Ib and clade IIb surveillance, with over 52,000 cases reported across 98 countries globally in 2025, 215 deaths, and community transmission of clade Ib appearing in Europe.
UK Epidemiological Overview Update (2/12):
Global Situation:
Source: uk_ukhsa_updates/surveillance/2026-02-12-mpox-clade-ib-and-iib-outbreak-epidemiological-overview.md
| Date | Title | Source | Relevance Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-02-12 | Mpox clade Ib and clade IIb outbreak: epidemiological overview | UKHSA | 0.79 |
| 2025-06-18 | Clade Ib Mpox Outbreak - Kenya, July 2024-February 2025 | US CDC MMWR | 0.74 |
| 2025-01-14 | Epidemiological update: Mpox due to monkeypox virus clade I | ECDC | 0.67 |
Global influenza activity is high, with A(H3N2) K-clade variants as the predominant strain; Taiwan has recorded 529 severe cases and 97 deaths this season, 60% among adults aged 65+.
30 human infections globally in 2025 with 12 deaths, primarily reported from Cambodia (18 cases), China, United States, and UK; Taiwan maintains Level 2 travel advisory for China and Cambodia.
| Date | Title | Source | Relevance Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-03-13 | Human Cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) - California | US CDC MMWR | 0.67 |
| 2025-09-04 | H5N1 Infection in a Child with No Known Exposure - San Francisco | US CDC MMWR | 0.62 |
| 2024-05-30 | Outbreak of H5N1 in U.S. Dairy Cattle - Two Human Cases | US CDC MMWR | 0.58 |
Ongoing outbreaks in West Bengal, India and Bangladesh; ECDC assesses risk to Europeans as very low; WHO assesses global risk as low; Taiwan plans to list "Nipah virus infection" as Category 5 notifiable disease by mid-March.
| Date | Title | Source | Relevance Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-29 | Nipah virus disease cases reported in West Bengal, India | ECDC | 0.62 |
| 2026-01-29 | Nipah virus: what is it, where is it found and how does it spread? | UKHSA | 0.61 |
ECDC published the 2026 Week 7 (2/7-2/13) Communicable Disease Threats Report on February 13:
Monitored Items:
Source: ecdc_cdtr/surveillance/2026-02-13-communicable-disease-threats-report-7-13-february-2026-week-7.md
UKHSA updated the rabies pre-exposure vaccine request form on February 18:
Source: uk_ukhsa_updates/guidance/2026-02-18-rabies-pre-exposure-request-form.md [NEW THIS WEEK]
Week 8 Key Developments (2026/2/14-2/19)
| Threat Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Foodborne bacteria AMR | ECDC/EFSA joint warning [NEW THIS WEEK] |
| RSV vaccine programme | UK releases PGD template |
| International cooperation | PHAC visits ECDC |
| Childhood vaccination | UK promotes campaign |
| Measles | Continued monitoring |
| Respiratory viruses | EU/EEA continued monitoring |
Key Publications This Week:
Key Updates This Week
| Type | Event | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Surveillance Report | First Cold Mortality Report | 2/18 |
| Guidance Update | HCID National Risk List | 2/18 |
| Guidance Update | Rabies pre-exposure vaccine request form | 2/18 |
| Guidance Update | Cold mortality QMI document | 2/18 |
| Guidance Release | RSV vaccine PGD template | 2/17 |
| Policy Campaign | Childhood vaccination campaign | 2/16 |
| Guidance Release | MMR vaccine Easy Read guide | 2/16 |
| Guidance Update | Antenatal carbon monoxide check algorithm | 2/16 |
| Guidance Update | Tuberculosis information handbook | 2/13 |
| Surveillance Report | Mpox clade Ib/IIb epidemiological overview | 2/12 |
| Surveillance Report | RSV vaccination coverage | 2/12 |
Key Issues:
Taiwan (tw_cdc_alerts)
| Event | Monitoring Until | Status |
|---|---|---|
| First imported measles case | 2/28 | 400 contacts under monitoring |
| First pertussis case | 3/4 | Household contacts under monitoring |
| Influenza outbreak | Ongoing | Peak season, ~93,000 government vaccine doses remaining |
Post-Lunar New Year Holiday Reminders:
India:
Japan:
Travel Health Notices:
Measles Outbreak: Continued cases in United States, Canada, and Mexico recently
If you develop fever, respiratory symptoms, diarrhea, or rash within 3 weeks of returning from travel abroad during Lunar New Year, seek medical attention promptly and proactively inform your doctor of your travel history.
| Destination | Disease | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Suriname, Seychelles | Chikungunya | Mosquito prevention measures |
| Ghana, Liberia | Mpox (Clade II) | Avoid contact with patients, wild animals |
| China (15 provinces/cities), Cambodia | Avian influenza H5N1 | Avoid contact with poultry |
| Vietnam, Indonesia, India, and 4 other countries | Measles | Verify MMR vaccination status |
| Destination | Disease | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple countries globally | Dengue | Mosquito prevention measures |
| Multiple countries globally | Measles | Verify MMR vaccination status |
West Bengal, Kerala (India); Bangladesh:
Travelers to HCID risk countries should:
Key cold weather protection measures include: keeping indoors warm (at least 18°C), layered clothing, monitoring cardiovascular symptoms, ensuring adequate heating and food supply, especially for adults aged 65+ and those with chronic conditions.
High-Risk Groups:
The UK RSV vaccine programme targets pregnant women (to protect infants), adults aged 75+, and care home residents.
Target Groups:
Eligible Populations:
Key to reducing antimicrobial resistance includes: only use antibiotics when prescribed by a doctor, complete the full course, practice food hygiene, and handle raw meat properly.
This report is based on the following sources:
ECDC (ecdc_cdtr)
guidance/2026-02-18-antimicrobial-resistance-foodborne-bacteria.md [NEW THIS WEEK]situational_update/2026-02-16-phac-visits-ecdc-collaboration.mdsurveillance/2026-02-13-communicable-disease-threats-report-7-13-february-2026-week-7.mdUK UKHSA (uk_ukhsa_updates)
surveillance/2026-02-18-ukhsa-publishes-first-cold-mortality-report.md [NEW THIS WEEK]surveillance/2026-02-18-cold-weather-health-impact-report.md [NEW THIS WEEK]surveillance/2026-02-18-cold-mortality-monitoring-report-england-winter-2024-to-2025.md [NEW THIS WEEK]guidance/2026-02-18-high-consequence-infectious-disease-country-specific-risk.md [NEW THIS WEEK]guidance/2026-02-18-cold-mortality-monitoring-report-england-quality-and-methodology-information.md [NEW THIS WEEK]guidance/2026-02-18-pre-release-access-lists-cold-mortality-monitoring-reports.md [NEW THIS WEEK]guidance/2026-02-18-rabies-pre-exposure-request-form.md [NEW THIS WEEK]guidance/2026-02-17-respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv-vaccine-pgd-template.mdpolicy/2026-02-16-parents-vaccination-campaign.mdguidance/2026-02-16-easy-read-guide-mmr-vaccination.mdguidance/2026-02-16-carbon-monoxide-antenatal-checks-algorithm.mdguidance/2026-02-13-tuberculosis-tb-factsheet.mdsurveillance/2026-02-12-mpox-clade-ib-and-iib-outbreak-epidemiological-overview.mdsurveillance/2026-02-12-rsv-maternal-vaccination-coverage-in-england.mdsurveillance/2026-02-12-rsv-older-adults-vaccination-coverage-in-england-statistics.mdguidance/2026-02-12-brucella-laboratory-and-clinical-services.mdsurveillance/2026-02-10-pneumococcal-disease-non-pcv13-serotypes.mdguidance/2026-02-10-mmrv-programme-healthcare-practitioners.mdTaiwan CDC (tw_cdc_alerts)
policy/2026-02-13-spring-festival-epidemic-prevention.mdimported_case/2026-02-12-measles-imported-case-vietnam.mddomestic_outbreak/2026-02-12-pertussis-first-case.mdpolicy/2026-02-10-cold-wave-lunar-new-year-flu-covid-policy.mdmedical_advisory/2026-02-10-lunar-new-year-hiv-mpox-prevention.mddisease_info/2026-02-10-rabies-prevention-outdoor-activities.mdUS CDC (us_travel_health_notices)
level_2_practice/2026-02-05-chikungunya-suriname.mdlevel_2_practice/2026-02-05-chikungunya-seychelles.mdlevel_2_practice/2026-01-26-monkeypox-ghana-liberia.mdlevel_1_watch/2026-01-22-dengue-global.mdThis report uses Qdrant semantic search to provide historical context, executing the following queries:
| Query | Results Found | Highest Relevance Score |
|---|---|---|
| antimicrobial resistance foodborne bacteria Salmonella | 5 | 0.65 |
| cold weather mortality winter health England | 5 | 0.72 |
| RSV respiratory syncytial virus vaccine | 8 | 0.72 |
| measles outbreak vaccination 2026 | 8 | 0.65 |
| pertussis whooping cough outbreak 2025 2026 | 8 | 0.64 |
| mpox clade Ib outbreak 2025 2026 | 8 | 0.79 |
| avian influenza H5N1 2025 2026 | 8 | 0.67 |
| nipah virus India outbreak 2026 | 8 | 0.62 |
EpiAlert AI Editor. (2026, February 18). Infectious Disease Threats Weekly Report 2026-W08. EpiAlert. https://epialert.weiqi.kids/Narrator/weekly_digest/en/2026-W08-weekly-digest
**BibTeX Format**
@misc{epialert2026w08en,
author = ,
title = {Infectious Disease Threats Weekly Report 2026-W08},
year = {2026},
month = {February},
day = {18},
howpublished = {EpiAlert},
url = {https://epialert.weiqi.kids/Narrator/weekly_digest/en/2026-W08-weekly-digest},
note = {Accessed: 2026-02-20}
}
Report generated: 2026-02-19T14:00:00+08:00 Next update: 2026-02-25 (2026-W09 Weekly Report)