Dear Readers,

We are happy to share the 17th 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 first half of June 2026, with continued increases in both reported cases and deaths. Between 1 and 15 June 2026, cumulative reported cases increased from 79,985 to 97,310, representing a 21.7% increase, while cumulative deaths rose from 585 to 656. Although the case fatality rate (CFR) declined slightly from 0.73% to 0.67%, the continued growth in both cases and deaths indicates sustained transmission and a significant ongoing public health burden.

By mid-June, reported measles vaccination coverage averaged 106% nationally in most divisions and reached 99% in Rangpur. While these figures reflect strong vaccination efforts, the persistence of transmission suggests that challenges may remain in accurately estimating target populations and ensuring that all eligible children are reached. The apparent discrepancy between reported coverage and continued transmission highlights the importance of strengthening surveillance, validating coverage estimates, and identifying pockets of unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children. Continued efforts to close immunity gaps and rapidly detect and respond to cases will be essential to reducing transmission and preventing further measles-related illness and deaths.

(DGSH Press Release; Dhaka Tribune)

As Bangladesh enters the monsoon season, dengue transmission is becoming increasingly widespread across the country. During the first half of June 2026, an additional 1,102 cases were reported, increasing the cumulative case count from 3,197 to 4,299. This represents a 34.5% increase in cumulative cases compared with the previous reporting period. One additional dengue-related death was reported during this period, bringing the cumulative death toll to six.

While Dhaka continues to account for a large proportion of infections, the most notable increase was observed in Barishal Division, which reported 390 cases during the reporting period compared with 124 cases during the second half of May. Dhaka and Chattogram reported 264 and 142 cases, respectively. The emergence of new hotspots alongside continued transmission in Dhaka and Chattogram highlights the increasingly widespread nature of dengue activity as the monsoon season begins. 

The continued increase in dengue cases, together with sustained transmission and the broad geographic spread of infections, highlights the need for continued vigilance as Bangladesh enters the peak transmission season. Strengthened surveillance, intensified vector control interventions, and community-led prevention measures and timely clinical management will be critical to reducing  further transmission and preventing severe disease and deaths in the months ahead.

(IEDCR)

Bangladesh joined countries around the world in observing World Environment Day on 5 June 2026 through rallies, tree-planting campaigns, awareness programs, and policy discussions focused on environmental protection and sustainable development. This year's observance underscored pressing challenges such as air and water pollution, climate vulnerability, biodiversity conservation, and the need for stronger community participation in environmental stewardship. 

Globally, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) emphasized the need for accelerating climate action under the theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.” Governments, organizations, and citizens worldwide were encouraged to advance climate action and promote nature-based solutions. The observance also emphasized the growing link between climate change and public health, as increasing heatwaves, and climate-related disasters are emerging as major threats to human well-being, particularly for vulnerable populations. Together, the events in Bangladesh and around the world reinforced the message that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility and that immediate, collective action is essential for a sustainable and healthy future.

(UNEP; DhakaTribune)

Ahead of World Food Safety Day 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted the significant global burden of unsafe food, estimating that it causes approximately 866 million illnesses and 1.5 million deaths each year. Children under the age of five are particularly vulnerable, accounting for nearly one-third of all foodborne disease cases despite representing only 9% of the global population. 

Foodborne illnesses result from biological hazards such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, as well as chemical contaminants including lead, arsenic, and methylmercury, which can cause acute illness and lead to long-term neurological, developmental, cardiovascular, and cancer-related health effects. 

The burden is especially high in Africa and Southeast Asia, where weaknesses in food safety systems, sanitation, and healthcare infrastructure increase public health risks. In Bangladesh, concerns about food safety intersect with the country's growing burden of non-communicable diseases, as increasing consumption of highly processed foods contributes to rising rates of obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.

WHO estimates that foodborne diseases caused approximately US$310 billion in global productivity losses in 2021, underlining the importance of strengthening food safety systems, surveillance, regulation, and public awareness. The issue exemplifies the interconnected nature of human health, food systems, agriculture, and environmental management—core principles of the One Health approach.

(WHO; DhakaTribune; voice7news)

Health authorities in Kerala, India, have launched an intensive response following confirmation of a Nipah virus infection in a 43-year-old patient who remains critically ill and on ventilator support.  A total of 100 contacts have been identified and placed under surveillance, including high-risk individuals, while symptomatic contacts are undergoing testing and clinical observation. Initial tests among close family members have been negative. The response includes rigorous contact tracing, active surveillance, and consideration of advanced treatment options, reflecting the continued importance of early detection and rapid containment of Nipah virus outbreaks in India and South Asia. 

(Matrubhumi)

Kerala is experiencing a sharp increase in influenza cases, with health officials reporting 941 cases and nine deaths so far this year, nearly half occurring in May alone. Concurrent circulation of influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19 is raising concerns for older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying health conditions. Health officials continue to promote vaccination, respiratory hygiene, and early treatment to reduce severe illness and limit pressure on healthcare facilities. 

(The Hindu)

Pakistan has reported additional locally transmitted Mpox cases in Lahore, including infections among individuals with no recent travel history, indicating ongoing domestic transmission. Lahore has reported 54 cases in 2026, while Sindh province has recorded 34 cases and nine deaths. Health authorities advise people with symptoms such as fever and unexplained rash to seek medical attention and limit close contact with others.

(SMMA TV)  

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health challenge in Nepal, causing an estimated 16,000 deaths each year and affecting around 67,000 people annually. Despite the availability of free diagnosis and treatment services, an estimated 42% of people with TB remain unreached, while many patients and their families continue to face financial hardship and stigma. To accelerate progress toward a TB-free Nepal by 2050, the country is expanding community-based active case finding using AI-assisted digital X-ray technology and extending its TB-free campaign to more local areas.

(Ratopati)

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to worsen, with health authorities reporting 72 new confirmed cases and 29 additional deaths on 15 June, one of the largest daily increases since the outbreak was confirmed in May 2026. Caused by the rare Bundibugyo ebolavirus, the outbreak has now reached 782 confirmed cases and 181 deaths, with the majority of cases reported from Ituri Province and additional spread to North Kivu, South Kivu, and neighboring Uganda.
Response efforts led by the DRC Ministry of Health, WHO, Africa CDC, and partners are being intensified through enhanced surveillance, laboratory testing, case management, contact tracing, and community engagement. However, insecurity, population displacement, limited access to remote areas, and the absence of a licensed vaccine for Bundibugyo ebolavirus continue to complicate containment efforts.

(AFP)

New research suggests that early intervention may significantly improve long-term outcomes for children with peanut allergy. Children who received peanut oral immunotherapy (OIT) between one and three years of age were followed for nearly a decade, with many continuing to tolerate normal peanut consumption. Researchers also observed long-term immune changes associated with reduced allergic sensitivity, supporting the concept that early childhood may represent a critical window for modifying allergic disease trajectories. 

(Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology)

Scientists have reported promising results using a newer gene-editing technology called base editing, which can change individual DNA letters without cutting the DNA strand. In human embryo studies, the approach appeared to make precise genetic changes while avoiding some of the unintended DNA damage linked to traditional CRISPR methods. While further research is required, the findings represent a potentially important step toward safer gene therapies for inherited diseases.

(bioRxiv)

A new World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) report warns that chronic underinvestment in animal health is weakening the world’s first line of defence against emerging diseases. Although around 75% of emerging human infectious diseases originate in animals, veterinary systems receive only a tiny fraction of global health funding. The report notes that more than 2,000 outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza were reported across 64 countries and territories between 2025 and 2026, resulting in the death or culling of over 140 million poultry. The findings reinforce the importance of investing in veterinary surveillance, animal health systems, and One Health approaches to reduce pandemic risks and strengthen food security.

(WOAH) 

With millions of fans expected to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup, health authorities are strengthening surveillance and preparedness systems to prevent infectious disease outbreaks. Large gatherings can accelerate the spread of influenza, COVID-19, measles, gastrointestinal infections, and other emerging diseases. Beyond traditional surveillance, innovative approaches such as wastewater monitoring are increasingly being used to detect pathogens early and provide warning signs of potential outbreaks. International collaboration, rapid information sharing, and emergency response planning will be essential to protect both visitors and host communities. The efforts demonstrate how modern public health systems can reduce risks and keep global events safe.

(CIDRAP; CIDRAP)