Dear Readers,

We are pleased to share the 15th issue of the One Health Biweekly Update from the One Health Secretariat. Drawing from official and credible sources, this issue provides a timely overview of emerging health risks, outbreaks, and One Health developments in Bangladesh, South Asia, and globally.

We are also pleased to note that all previous issues are now available in our archive, reflecting the continued engagement of our readers and the commitment of the moderation team.

Thank you for your continued support and for being part of this growing One Health community.

Dr. Nure Alam
Dr. Farhana Rahman
One Health Secretariat, Bangladesh

Bangladesh Reports Widespread Measles Surge

Measles transmission remained elevated in Bangladesh during early May 2026, with a sharp rise in reported deaths and a continued high burden among young children, particularly infants and children under two years of age. Between late April and mid-May 2026, reported cases increased by approximately 4.5%, from 18,742 to 19,580, while deaths rose significantly from 70 to 171, raising concerns about the severity of the outbreak. As of 15 May 2026, Bangladesh had recorded a cumulative total of 63,027 cases and 451 deaths, corresponding to a case fatality rate (CFR) of 0.72%. National measles vaccination coverage across the eight divisions averaged 104%, although subnational variation persisted, ranging from 97% in Rangpur Division to 111% in Chattogram Division.
(DGSH Press Release; MedIndia) 

Safe Cattle Handling Essential Ahead of Eid-ul-Azha 

With Eid-ul-Azha cattle markets in full swing, veterinary experts are urging the public to take precautions against animal diseases that can affect both livestock and people, including anthrax, brucellosis, bovine tuberculosis, and avian influenza. Buyers and sellers are advised to avoid visibly sick animals, cover open wounds, wash hands thoroughly after handling livestock, and ensure safe disposal of animal waste.  Experts also emphasized the importance of livestock vaccination, routine animal health checks, and timely reporting of suspected illnesses to help reduce public health risks during the festive season.
(Asian Age) 

Dengue Cases Continue to Increase in Early May

Bangladesh recorded a continued increase in dengue cases during early May 2026, with transmission reported across all divisions. An additional 337 cases were reported during this period, increasing cumulative cases from 2,483 to 2,820, representing a 13.6% increase. During the same period, one additional death was reported, raising the cumulative death toll from four to five. Men accounted for 62.1% of the reported cases, while women represented 37.9%, reflecting a stable gender distribution compared to late April. Barishal reported the highest number of cumulative cases (124), followed closely by Dhaka (94 cases) and Chattogram (80 cases) divisions. Overall, the continued rise in dengue cases, sustained transmission, and broad geographic spread highlight the need for sustained vector control efforts, public awareness, and early clinical management.
(IEDCR)

Between 15 and 30 April 2026, Bangladesh’s influenza surveillance system detected 328 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases among 1,230 tested samples, corresponding to a positivity rate of 27%, approximately four times higher than that observed during the same period in previous years. Among hospitalized patients, 707 severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) samples were collected and tested, of which 182 (26%) were positive for influenza. Similarly, from outpatient departments, 523 influenza-like illness (ILI) samples were tested, and 146 (28%) were confirmed positive. Given the increasing influenza activity, the public is encouraged to adopt preventive measures such as wearing masks, maintaining hand hygiene, and practicing proper cough etiquette to reduce transmission. In addition, unnecessary or inappropriate use of antimicrobials for influenza-like illness should be avoided to help prevent the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Influenza vaccination is also strongly recommended, particularly for high-risk groups identified by the WHO, including pregnant women, children aged 6–59 months, older adults, individuals with chronic illnesses, and healthcare workers.

Rabies Deaths Reported After Suspected Dog Attack

Five people reportedly died within a week after a suspected rabid dog injured at least 13 residents in one community. Media reports indicate that some of the affected individuals had received rabies vaccination, though details on the timing and completion of the full post-exposure prophylaxis treatment were not available. The incident highlights the importance of immediate wound washing, prompt vaccination, and timely access to the complete course of rabies prevention services following animal exposure.
(Financial Express) 

A university teacher in Chattogram died after developing fever, convulsions, and severe brain inflammation following a recent visit to Bandarban. Treating physicians indicated that the illness was consistent with suspected Japanese Encephalitis, a mosquito-borne infection that can cause neurological complications. The case highlights the importance of mosquito bite prevention and timely recognition of encephalitis symptoms during the monsoon season.
(New Age)

Study Detects Widespread Drug-Resistant Bacteria in Live Bird Markets

A recent study found high levels of antibiotic-resistant E. coli and Salmonella in chicken meat and wastewater samples collected from live bird markets in Bangladesh. Many of the detected bacteria were resistant to multiple antibiotics, including some used as last-resort treatments in hospitals. Nearly 70% of chicken samples contained ESBL-producing E. coli, and over half carried carbapenem-resistant strains. The findings highlight the need for strengthening hygiene practices, promoting prudent antibiotic use, and enhancing monitoring systems in poultry markets to protect both animal and human health.
(PLOS One) 

Multi-Country Study Highlights Shigella Burden and Drug Resistance

A multi-country study involving more than 4,000 children aged 6–35 months across seven countries, including Bangladesh, Gambia, Kenya, Mali, Peru, Pakistan, and Zambia, found Shigella as a major cause of diarrhoeal illness in young children. Most infections were caused by Shigella flexneri, the main target of vaccines now under development. The study also found resistance to several commonly used antibiotics, underscoring growing treatment challenges. The findings reinforce the importance of improved hygiene, safe water access, prompt treatment, and future vaccine introduction to reduce the burden of childhood diarrhoea.
(Lancet)

Human–Elephant Conflict Continues to Escalate

A recent report highlighted increasing human-elephant conflict and ongoing conservation gaps in Bangladesh following several elephant deaths in 2026, including the mutilation of a dead elephant in Rangamati. Since 2017, at least 151 elephants have reportedly died due to electrocution, train collisions, shootings, poisoning, and retaliatory killings linked to escalating conflict between wildlife and communities. Experts noted that rapid habitat loss, deforestation, infrastructure development, unplanned settlements, and disruption of traditional migration corridors are forcing elephants into closer contact with communities, increasing risks to both humans and wildlife. The report also emphasized challenges in compensation mechanisms, limited capacity of Elephant Response Teams, weak enforcement of wildlife protection measures, and insufficient community engagement, underscoring the urgent need for strengthened conservation efforts, coexistence strategies, and public awareness initiatives in Bangladesh.
(Mongabay; Envirolink)

An H5N1 avian influenza outbreak in Navapur, a major poultry-producing area in western India, has led to the culling of nearly 200,000 laying hens across 14 commercial farms. Authorities have imposed movement controls and destroyed eggs, feed, and poultry materials to contain the outbreak. The affected region produces an estimated 1.2 million eggs daily, raising concerns about potential supply disruptions. No human infections have been reported to date.
(Avinews)

Pakistan has confirmed two new wild poliovirus cases in Bannu and North Waziristan, bringing the country’s total to three in 2026. The cases highlight ongoing transmission in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where insecurity and access challenges hinder vaccination efforts. Although Pakistan has reduced polio cases dramatically over the past three decades, health authorities continue targeted immunization campaigns to protect vulnerable children and stop the virus from spreading.
(Pakistan Polio Eradication Program)   

Viral Meningitis Cluster Reported in Sri Lanka

A cluster of viral meningitis linked to enterovirus has affected nearly 50 students in the Deniyaya area of southern Sri Lanka over the past few weeks. Most cases occurred among adolescents aged 14–15 years and recovered after supportive treatment, with no deaths reported. The outbreak appears geographically limited, and new cases have declined. Authorities temporarily closed schools, strengthened surveillance, and advised communities to practice good hygiene and use safe drinking water to reduce further spread.
(BEACON) 

Pakistan Issues Congo Fever Alerts Ahead of Eid

Pakistan has reported new cases of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), including one death, raising concern ahead of Eid-ul-Adha, when close contact with livestock increases. The virus spreads mainly through tick bites or contact with infected animals and can cause severe bleeding and fever. Health authorities have issued alerts to hospitals and advised animal handlers to use protective measures, practice tick control, and seek medical care promptly if symptoms develop.
(ARY News)

BIMSTEC Countries Strengthen Regional Public Health Collaboration

Health experts from the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) member states met in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on 12–13 May to review progress under the regional public health action plan and identify priorities for the next phase of collaboration. Discussions focused on disease surveillance, pandemic preparedness, One Health, antimicrobial resistance, digital health, and climate-related health risks. Sri Lanka proposed hosting a BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence on Public Health, while Bangladesh proposed a Regional Early Warning Observatory to strengthen disease detection and coordinated response across the region.
(BIMSTEC)

DR Congo Activates Emergency Operations as Ebola Outbreak Grows

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) as an expanding Ebola outbreak strains health services in conflict-affected areas. More than 500 suspected cases and 136 deaths have been reported, with one related death confirmed in Uganda. The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), warning that the true number of infections may be much higher. Ongoing insecurity, damaged health facilities, and population displacement are hampering efforts to detect cases, trace contacts, and contain further spread.
(BBC) 

Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship Leaves Three Dead

A hantavirus outbreak linked to an Antarctic cruise has resulted in three deaths and at least 11 confirmed infections among passengers. The affected vessel has now docked in Rotterdam, where crew members are undergoing quarantine. Hantaviruses are usually spread by rodents and rarely pass from person to person. However, this outbreak is associated with the Andes virus strain, one of the few hantaviruses known to spread between humans. Health authorities have recommended 42 days of monitoring and isolation for exposed individuals to prevent further transmission.
(BBC)

Wastewater Testing Promise Early Flu Detection

A study from Japan found that measuring influenza virus in wastewater could detect influenza activity about one week before routine surveillance data become available. By analyzing sewage from three treatment plants over a two-year period, researchers were able to accurately estimate the number of people infected with influenza A and B. The findings suggest that wastewater surveillance could help health authorities prepare hospitals, allocate resources, and strengthen public health measures earlier during flu seasons.

(Water and Environment Journal)

Global Report Warns the World Remains Vulnerable to the Next Pandemic

A new report from the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board warns that pandemic risks are increasing faster than investments in preparedness. Despite lessons from Ebola, COVID-19, and mpox, many countries still face major gaps in surveillance, financing, and equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments. The report notes that declining development assistance, geopolitical tensions, and environmental changes are making outbreaks more disruptive. The report urges governments to establish independent monitoring, secure sustainable funding, and finalize the World Health Organization Pandemic Agreement to strengthen global readiness before the next health emergency.
(GPMB)