Health Brief, Two Weeks: bird flu surges, cholera persists, dengue rises, and new therapies approved

Avian influenza — Europe tightens controls as H5N1 spreads

Europe’s winter bird-flu season arrived early and hard. Ireland imposed a nationwide housing order for all poultry after H5N1 struck commercial turkey farms, with officials stressing low risk from properly cooked meat and eggs. Neighboring countries also tightened biosecurity as detections mounted. However, authorities warned that wild-bird migration keeps risk elevated across the region. 

Germany reported extensive culling amid a sharp uptick in outbreaks. National and industry monitors described the situation as “very dynamic,” with several federal states affected. As a result, Europe is once again confining millions of birds indoors to protect flocks and supply chains. Health agencies still assess human risk as low, but vigilance remains essential. 

Cholera & mpox — emergencies ease unevenly, but deaths remain high

WHO’s latest multi-country cholera update shows cases dipped from August to September, yet cumulative 2025 deaths already exceed last year’s total. Vaccine stockpiles briefly rose above the emergency threshold, improving prospects for reactive campaigns. However, conflict, poverty, and damaged water systems keep transmission stubborn. As a result, health ministries are urged to pair vaccination with stronger surveillance and WASH investments. 

On mpox, the WHO lifted the global emergency designation earlier this quarter after cases declined from 2024 peaks in Central Africa. The agency stressed that mpox remains a regional threat requiring sustained testing, vaccination for high-risk groups, and rapid care. Meanwhile, cross-border travel and under-resourced clinics could still seed flare-ups. Public-health teams are keeping response capacity warm. 

Dengue & malaria — Asia’s arboviruses surge while Africa scales vaccines

Dengue activity across the Asia-Pacific remains unusually high in 2025. Regional surveillance collating WHO, CDC, ECDC and ProMED sources highlights sustained case growth and pressure on hospitals during the current transmission window. Authorities continue vector control, but weather patterns and urban breeding sites complicate progress. As a result, clinicians are reminding travelers to use repellents and seek early care for warning signs. 

Vaccine news was more encouraging in Africa. Gavi reports that 24 countries have now introduced a malaria vaccine into national programs, expanding protection for young children. Roll-out logistics still matter: cold-chain capacity, four-dose completion, and community trust will determine impact. However, broader coverage should reduce severe disease and deaths in the highest-burden settings. 

Immunization gaps — measles reminders and catch-up campaigns

Global agencies continue warning about resurgent vaccine-preventable diseases. Europe and Central Asia recorded a doubling of measles cases last year, driven by immunity gaps and misinformation. Health authorities have since urged catch-up doses, especially for children who missed routine shots during the pandemic years. Meanwhile, several countries are mounting back-to-school campaigns before winter. 

Humanitarian settings face the steepest challenge. Aid groups highlight multi-antigen catch-up drives in conflict-affected areas to reduce measles and polio risks. However, supply interruptions and insecurity can slow campaigns and widen equity gaps. As a result, donors are being pressed to fund predictable delivery through early 2026. 

Drug approvals — new options for menopause symptoms and blood cancer

In the United States, regulators approved Lynkuet (elinzanetant), a once-daily, non-hormonal capsule for moderate-to-severe hot flashes. Trial data support meaningful reductions in vasomotor symptoms, and the drug arrives with patient-assistance options to ease costs. Clinicians welcome another non-hormonal route for women who cannot or prefer not to use estrogen therapy. However, prescribers will monitor known risks and drug interactions. 

Oncology also saw movement. The FDA cleared a new use of Darzalex Faspro for adults with high-risk smouldering multiple myeloma, citing a phase-III trial that cut progression or death by about half. The indication targets patients poised to convert to active disease, potentially delaying symptomatic myeloma. As a result, hematologists gain a prophylactic strategy while balancing toxicity and cost. 

The week ahead — what to watch

First, European avian-influenza controls will test food-system resilience into winter; further housing orders are possible if wild-bird positives climb. Second, cholera responses hinge on sustaining oral-vaccine supply and improving water access where outbreaks persist. Third, dengue-season peaks could shift with rainfall; hospitals should prepare surge beds and IV supplies. Finally, new drug launches will face payer decisions and real-world monitoring, shaping access and safety signals. Together, these threads underline one theme: prevention and preparedness still offer the best value in health. 

Sources: Reuters/Scoop/AP News

Image: Getty Images

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Suzan Seherin

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