Building the Future of Biodefense
Biothreat intelligence to deter and detect natural, accidental, deliberate and novel biological agents.
ADVISORY
Measles virus detection in wastewater in Kauaʻi County, Hawaii
10/23/2025
Hawaii, Kauai County
Recommendation: Organizations in Kauaʻi County, Hawaii, should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. Measles is highly contagious and can quickly spread among unvaccinated individuals in a work environment.
Situation: Health officials reported a detection of the measles virus in wastewater in East Kauaʻi County, Hawaii, in a sample collected on 9/24, which officials were notified of on 10/20. Sequencing from a sample collected identified the measles virus genotype D8, a strain found in wild-type measles. The detection suggests that at least 1 individual in the community or traveling through the community around that time was infectious with measles. No suspected measles cases have been reported in the county as of 10/22. Health officials advised the public to review their vaccination status and to get vaccinated. Hawaii reported 2 measles cases earlier this year in April (see PHC alerts 4/16 and 4/9). [Confidence: Very High]
WATCH
2 new measles cases in New Zealand as ferry ride identified as a common source of exposure
10/23/2025
New Zealand, AucklandNew Zealand, Northland
Recommendation: Organizations in New Zealand should inform employees about the measles exposure locations and provide flexible work schedules to support employees in making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. Measles is highly contagious and can quickly spread among unvaccinated individuals in a work environment.
Situation: New Zealand confirmed 2 new measles cases in Auckland and Northland this week, for a total of 6 cases over the past week (see PHC alert on 10/21). The 6 cases were in Northland (1), Auckland (2), Manawatu (2), and Nelson (1), and do not include the Northland outbreak or the 1 case in Queenstown-Lakes District. 4 of the cases were linked to a Bluebridge Ferry trip from Picton to Wellington on 10/3. Other exposure locations included Victus Coffee & Eatery - Nelson (10/15-17), Kirby Lane toilet block - Nelson (10/15-10/17), New World Nelson City Cnr - Nelson (10/16), and St. Mary's Catholic Church - Manawatu (10/19). Exposed individuals should monitor for measles symptoms (7-21 days from exposure). [Confidence: Very High]
ADVISORY
Hong Kong reports its 1st chikungunya-related death from an imported case
10/23/2025
Hong Kong
Recommendation: Organizations in Hong Kong and mainland China should reduce mosquito habitats by eliminating standing water and applying insecticides to outdoor storage containers, as well as encouraging employees to prevent mosquito bites. Organizations should support pregnant employees who opt not to travel to the affected area. Employees should consult a doctor about vaccination against chikungunya before traveling to Guangdong Province. Vaccine eligibility and availability may vary by country.
Situation: Hong Kong health officials reported their 1st chikungunya death in a 77-year-old adult. The case likely contracted the disease while traveling in mainland China, where the virus has been circulating in Guangdong Province. The case had underlying health conditions, which likely contributed to health complications and death. A total of 42 confirmed cases of chikungunya were reported in Hong Kong so far this year, all of which were imported cases. [Confidence: Very High]
ADVISORY
Peru confirms 6 human anthrax cases in Cañete
10/22/2025
Peru
Recommendation: Human anthrax cases are sporadically reported in Peru, particularly on the northern coast. Most cases are cutaneous and linked to direct contact with contaminated meat from infected animals. Organizations should caution employees traveling to Peru to avoid contact with animals and to not consume meat obtained from sick animals or animals that died suddenly.
Situation: Peruvian health officials reported 6 human cases of cutaneous anthrax in the province of Cañete, and who reportedly had contact with sick animals. All affected individuals received medical treatment. In response, officials initiated an investigation, control, and prevention activities, including animal vaccinations and evaluations of at-risk individuals. Officials emphasized that anthrax is not transmitted between people, and there is no current risk of infection from eating meat from slaughterhouses or authorized markets. [Confidence: Very High]
ADVISORY
The Netherlands reports its 1st ever case of mpox clade 1b, likely locally acquired
10/22/2025
Netherlands
Recommendation: Employers can support employees in obtaining mpox vaccinations by providing flexible work schedules. Information on the availability of mpox vaccines and treatment can also be included in employee wellness communication.
Situation: The Netherlands confirmed its 1st ever case of mpox clade 1b. The individual did not report any recent travel history, but had been active among men who have sex with men, suggesting undetected local transmission. Health officials stated the risk of further transmission seems low at this time. [Confidence: Very High]
Real-time,
World-wide
Biothreat Alerts
Delivered to you at the speed of relevance
Operational and strategic intelligence for biodefense
Leverage operational biosurveillance to anticipate and assess biological risks, drive decision-making, and protect mission-critical operations.
PHC Navigator
PHC Navigator is a biothreat intelligence engine built on expert-curated and proprietary data and models that provides actionable intelligence and insights
PHC Vector
PHC Vector provides direct programmatic access to PHC Global intelligence to simplify an increasingly complex biodefense landscape
