Dear Readers,

Welcome to the 16th issue of the One Health Biweekly Update from the One Health Secretariat. This edition brings together key updates on emerging health threats, outbreaks, and One Health developments from Bangladesh, the region, and globally, based on information from official and credible sources.

All previous issues are now available in our archive, reflecting the sustained interest and engagement of our growing readership.

Thank you for being part of the One Health community and for supporting efforts to strengthen multisectoral collaboration for health security.

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

Measles transmission remained elevated in Bangladesh during the second half of May 2026, with continued increases in both cases and deaths. Between 16 and 31 May 2026, cumulative reported cases increased from 64,096 to 79,985, representing a 24.8% increase, while cumulative deaths rose from 453 to 585, an increase of 132 deaths. The case fatality rate (CFR) increased slightly from 0.71% to 0.73%, indicating sustained outbreak severity.

Children under five years of age continued to bear the greatest burden of disease and remained the most vulnerable to severe illness and death, particularly those who were unvaccinated or only partially immunized. An estimated 79% of reported cases occurred among children under five years of age, including 66% among children younger than two years and 33% among infants younger than nine months. The outbreak has been associated with an approximate CFR of 0.9% among unvaccinated children under two years of age, underscoring the heightened risk faced by this population.

National measles vaccination coverage averaged 102% across all divisions by the end of May, although minor subnational variations persisted. Continued efforts to sustain high vaccination coverage and close remaining immunity gaps will be critical to reducing transmission and preventing further morbidity and mortality.

(DGSH Press Release; Springer) 

Bangladesh recorded a continued increase in dengue cases during the second half of May 2026, with transmission reported across all divisions. An additional 361 cases were reported during the reporting period, increasing cumulative cases from 2,836 to 3,197, representing a 12.7% increase. No additional deaths were reported during this period, and the cumulative death toll remained at five.

Men accounted for approximately 63% of reported cases, while women represented 37%, reflecting a stable gender distribution compared with the first half of May. Among the divisions, Dhaka reported the highest number of cumulative cases (124 cases), followed by Chattogram (92 cases) and Barishal (91 cases).

The continued rise in dengue cases, coupled with sustained transmission and widespread geographic distribution, underscores the need for intensified vector control measures, strengthened public awareness, and timely clinical management to prevent further increases in cases and associated morbidity.
(IEDCR) 

Influenza activity in Bangladesh increased substantially during the first half of May 2026. Between 1 and 15 May, the national influenza surveillance system detected 264 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases among 1,045 tested samples, corresponding to a positivity rate of 25%, approximately three times higher than that observed during the same period in previous years. Among hospitalized patients, 133 of 590 severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) samples (23%) tested positive for influenza. Similarly, 131 of 455 influenza-like illness (ILI) samples (29%) collected from outpatient departments were confirmed positive. The elevated positivity rates indicate increased influenza transmission and underscore the importance of preventive measures, including hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and staying home when ill. Influenza vaccination is also strongly recommended, particularly for high-risk groups identified by the World Health Organization (WHO), including pregnant women, children aged 6–59 months, older adults, individuals with chronic illnesses, and healthcare workers. In addition, prudent use of antimicrobials remains important, as inappropriate antibiotic use for viral respiratory infections can contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

In preparation for Eid-ul-Adha, Bangladesh authorities strengthened animal health surveillance and biosecurity measures in livestock markets across the country to reduce the risk of infectious disease transmission associated with large-scale animal movement and trade. Veterinary teams conducted health inspections, monitored livestock conditions, and promoted safe animal handling practices in major cattle markets. Complementing these efforts, the U.S. government-funded Strengthening Infectious Disease Detection Systems (STRIDES) program worked with the Department of Livestock Services and Dhaka North City Corporation to enhance the prevention of anthrax and other zoonotic diseases. These coordinated initiatives demonstrate Bangladesh's commitment to a One Health approach that integrates animal health, public health, and local government actions to safeguard livestock, traders, and consumers. 

(Business Standard; US Embassy Dhaka)

A widespread outbreak of mango scab disease has severely damaged Bombay mango orchards in Paikgachha, Khulna, leaving farmers facing substantial economic losses. The fungal disease has caused fruit to develop rough grey-brown lesions, reducing both quality and consumer appeal and driving down market prices. Many growers have reported difficulties recovering production and harvesting costs despite investing in orchard management. Agricultural authorities have advised timely fungicide application and improved orchard sanitation to limit further spread. The outbreak highlights the vulnerability of high-value fruit crops to plant diseases and the resulting impacts on rural livelihoods. 

(Business Times)

A recent outbreak of lumpy skin disease (LSD) has affected hundreds of cattle in Chandpur's Matlab North Upazila, resulting in animal deaths, reduced milk production, and deterioration of hide quality. Farmers have reported substantial financial losses, with many unable to recover investments made in livestock rearing. The vector-borne viral disease has spread across multiple villages, raising concerns about its impact on local livestock production and rural livelihoods. Limited vaccine availability and the absence of a specific treatment have complicated control efforts, prompting veterinary authorities to emphasize surveillance, vector control, animal isolation, and strengthened farm biosecurity measures. 

(bdnews 24)

A Bangladeshi student team, OneHealthVillage, has been selected as one of the winners of the 2026 One Health Campus-to-Community (OH-C2C) Challenge, a regional competition organized by the Southeast Asia One Health University Network (SEAOHUN), in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and supported by Chevron. The team, comprising students from Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Sher-e-Bangla Medical College, and the University of Rajshahi, will receive funding and mentorship to implement a community-based One Health initiative in the Barishal region. The project aims to strengthen village-level leadership and raise community awareness of zoonotic diseases, AMR, and environmental health issues. The initiative reflects the increasing engagement of young professionals in translating One Health principles into practical, community-driven action and highlights the growing contribution of Bangladeshi youth to advancing health security and community resilience.

(SEAOHUN)

A suspected viral outbreak has raised alarm in Gujarat’s Gir Forest, the sole remaining habitat of the world’s wild Asiatic lion population. Seven lions have died in recent weeks, while 17 others have been quarantined, with several testing positive for an infectious disease believed to be canine distemper virus (CDV). Authorities have mobilized veterinarians, forest personnel, and disease experts to contain the outbreak and protect the fewer than 700 surviving lions. The incident highlights the vulnerability of a globally important and geographically concentrated wildlife population to emerging infectious diseases. 

(India Today)

Health authorities in Pakistan's Sindh province are investigating a concerning cluster of HIV infections after 26 children and two healthcare workers tested positive within a 10-day period at Gambat Institute of Medical Sciences in Khairpur. The event has renewed concerns of another healthcare-associated HIV outbreak in a region still recovering from the large pediatric HIV epidemic in Ratodero in 2019. While officials are verifying test results, experts point to unsafe injection practices, contaminated medical equipment, and inadequate infection prevention measures as potential contributing factors. This incident underscores persistent healthcare safety challenges and the need for strengthened infection prevention systems in the region. 

(The News Pakistan) 

Sri Lanka's Anti-Filariasis Campaign reported 68 lymphatic filariasis cases during 2025, including 34 local cases and 34 infections among migrant workers arriving from India. Although Sri Lanka achieved WHO validation for eliminating lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem in 2016, health authorities continue to identify sporadic cases through ongoing surveillance. The findings emphasize the importance of sustained post-elimination monitoring, targeted "test and treat" interventions, and vector control measures to prevent re-establishment of transmission and support the country's goal of achieving zero locally acquired cases by 2030. 

(Adaderana)

Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda are racing to contain a growing outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus. As of late May, 134 confirmed cases, including 18 deaths (case fatality rate: 14%), had been reported across the two countries, alongside 906 suspected cases and 223 suspected deaths in DRC. The outbreak has expanded geographically, with ongoing cross-border transmission and 16 infections reported among healthcare workers. Security incidents, community resistance, and challenges in contact tracing have complicated response efforts, prompting intensified surveillance, treatment, and community engagement activities. WHO currently assesses the regional risk as high. 

(WHO)

Scientists are closely monitoring conditions in the Pacific Ocean amid growing forecasts of a possible “super El Niño” later this year. While some regions like Canada could experience a warmer-than-normal winter, experts warn that the impacts may extend far beyond seasonal weather patterns. The climate phenomenon is associated with increased risks of droughts, floods, wildfires, disruptions to agricultural production, and rising food prices in different parts of the world. Researchers caution that warmer and drier conditions could elevate wildfire risks, while extreme rainfall events may increase flooding in some regions. Combined with ongoing climate change, a strong El Niño could contribute to one of the warmest years on record and amplify weather-related health and economic challenges globally. 

(Global news)  

A novel experimental drug has shown promising results in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B, offering hope for what researchers describe as a potential “functional cure.” Results from two international clinical studies found that approximately 20% of treated patients achieved sustained suppression of the virus, allowing them to discontinue therapy without signs of disease recurrence. The findings, presented at a scientific meeting in Spain and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, mark a significant advance against a disease that causes an estimated 1.1 million deaths annually worldwide. Experts caution that longer-term follow-up is needed to determine the durability of the treatment response. 

(AP)

Growing evidence suggests that climate change and AMR are increasingly interconnected global health threats. A review published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that rising temperatures, extreme weather events, flooding, droughts, and environmental disruptions can contribute to the emergence, spread, and persistence of drug-resistant microorganisms. Researchers noted that climate-related impacts on water quality, sanitation systems, agriculture, and human displacement may create conditions that accelerate the transmission of resistant pathogens. The findings highlight the need for integrated “One Health” approaches that address climate change, environmental protection, and antimicrobial stewardship together to safeguard the health of people, animals, and ecosystems. 

(Lancet)