Dear Readers,
The One Health Secretariat is happy to share the 20th issue of the One Health Biweekly Update from the One Health Secretariat.
This edition provides a brief overview of recent events from the last two weeks in Bangladesh, the region, and around the world, featuring updates on disease outbreaks, emerging health threats, and other One Health activities drawn from official and credible sources.
All previous issues remain available in our archive, reflecting the sustained interest and engagement of our growing readership.
Thank you for your continued interest and support in advancing One Health to strengthen the health of animals, humans, and broader ecosystems.
One Health Secretariat, Bangladesh
Bangladesh
Avian Influenza H5N1 Human Case Reported in Bangladesh
Bangladesh has reported its fourth laboratory-confirmed avian influenza A(H5) in 2026, involving a child from Rangpur Division. The child developed fever, cough and rhinitis on 15 August and tested positive for A(H5) through hospital-based influenza surveillance. Subsequent testing at IEDCR/National Influenza Centre confirmed A(H5N1). The child was improving clinically at the time of reporting. The child had been exposed to ducks and chickens, including some sick birds, although poultry and chicken specimens collected from nearby households tested negative for A(H5). Close contacts remained asymptomatic, and testing of two symptomatic healthcare workers was negative. Genetic sequencing of the sample is underway to pinpoint the clade involved in this particular case.
3-Month Nationwide Prevention Campaign Launched in Bangladesh
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on 12 September 2026 launched a three-month nationwide campaign to strengthen dengue prevention and cleanliness activities. Running until 12 December, the campaign aims to raise public awareness, eliminate Aedes mosquito breeding sites and improve coordination among government, private-sector and social initiatives. Activities are being conducted simultaneously in Dhaka and at district and upazila levels nationwide, with local administrations joining the launch programme online. The campaign brings together government agencies, NGOs, students, voluntary organisations and other community stakeholders to support dengue prevention and cleanliness efforts.
Dengue Cases Continue to Rise During the First Half of September 2026
Dengue transmission continued to intensify across Bangladesh during the first half of September 2026. An additional 19,317 cases were reported during the period, increasing the cumulative case count from 35,846 to 55,163, representing a sharp 53.9% increase compared with the previous reporting period. The dengue-related death toll also increased by 67 deaths, bringing the cumulative number of deaths to 164, while the cumulative case fatality rate (CFR) remained approximately 0.30%.
Dengue transmission remained widespread across the country, with substantial increases reported in multiple divisions and city corporations. During the reporting period, Dhaka Division accounted for 9,112 additional cases, representing approximately 47.2% of all new cases. Outside the greater Dhaka area, the largest increases were reported in Khulna Division (3,394 cases), Chattogram Division (2,491 cases), and Barishal Division (2,030 cases).
The continued sharp increase in dengue cases and deaths, together with sustained transmission across multiple geographic areas, underscores the need for continued and intensified public health action to limit further transmission and reduce dengue-related morbidity and mortality.
Measles Situation Remains Worsening
Measles transmission remained elevated in Bangladesh during the first half of September 2026, with continued reporting of cases and deaths. The cumulative number of reported measles cases increased from 177,303 to 194,160 cases, showing an additional 16,857 cases during the period. Reported measles-related deaths increased from 973 to 1,036, with 63 additional deaths, while the cumulative case fatality ratio (CFR) stood at 0.53%.
Most measles cases continue to occur among unvaccinated children. Approximately 83% of confirmed measles cases occurred among unvaccinated individuals, while 10% occurred among infants younger than six months, who are highly vulnerable during outbreaks because they are generally too young to have received routine measles vaccination. Malnutrition further increases vulnerability to measles, making affected children more likely to develop severe complications or die from the disease.
Measles outbreak: Strengthening Vaccination and Surveillance
Bangladesh has mounted a large-scale response to the measles outbreak, including an emergency vaccination campaign that has delivered nearly 20 million measles-rubella vaccine doses since April. The experience also highlights opportunities to further strengthen the response by identifying unvaccinated children community by community, particularly in underserved populations, strengthening surveillance, and using local data to guide targeted vaccination efforts. Sustaining routine immunisation and closing remaining immunity gaps will help prevent future outbreaks.
Measles outbreak study highlights healthcare exposure and malnutrition risks in southern Bangladesh
A study of 170 children affected by the 2026 measles outbreak in southern Bangladesh found that 59.4% had links to hospitals or healthcare facilities, while 86.7% developed at least one complication. Pneumonia was the most common complication (56.1%). Severe malnutrition was associated with nearly 24-fold higher risk of severe measles. Seven children died, all unvaccinated and under one year of age. Genetic analysis found B3 measles virus, with no evidence of a new or vaccine-resistant strain. Researchers recommended strengthening vaccination coverage, targeted outreach, isolation and infection-control measures.
Bangladesh Contributes to Global One Health Investment and Policy Discussions
Bangladesh contributed to discussions on One Health implementation, policy and financing at the 9th World One Health Congress in Lisbon, Portugal. Its engagement included participation in panel discussions and other sessions addressing how countries can translate One Health commitments into practical action across human, animal and environmental health. A contribution on Bangladesh’s One Health pathway to financing highlighted the country’s experience in moving from strategic planning to developing investment cases and exploring financing opportunities. Six priority areas were identified, including laboratory capacity, surveillance and early warning, endemic zoonoses, food safety, antimicrobial resistance and vector-borne diseases. The experience illustrates Bangladesh’s efforts to link One Health policy priorities with investment and implementation for pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.
Bangladesh Reports First Detection of Banana Fusarium TR4
Bangladesh has reported the first detection of Tropical Race 4 (TR4) of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense, a fungal disease affecting bananas. The finding is based on symptomatic plants observed in January–February 2025 in Tangail, Rangpur, Bogura, Narsingdi and Jamalpur, with the pathogen confirmed by molecular testing. The report was published by EPPO in August 2026 and subsequently communicated by ProMED on 1 September. Until this finding, only race 1 was known to occur in Bangladesh. Authorities have begun destroying infected plants and conducting surveys in other banana-growing areas to determine the extent of spread. TR4 is not zoonotic, but its potential impact on banana production makes this a significant plant-health and food-security concern.
Rest of South Asia
Polio case confirmed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Pakistan has reported its fourth polio case of 2026, involving an 8-month-old child from Bannu district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). This is the third case reported from KP, following cases in Bannu and North Waziristan, while one case has been reported from Sindh. The Polio Eradication Initiative is urging parents and caregivers to ensure children receive vaccination during the upcoming door-to-door campaign from 21–27 September and in subsequent campaigns.
Dengue cases reported in West Bengal, India
West Bengal has reported 4,035 dengue cases and seven deaths as of 19 August 2026. The highest numbers were reported from Kolkata, Howrah, North and South 24 Parganas, and Murshidabad. Although cases remain lower than the previous year, health authorities are continuing surveillance through November, with concerns that heavy rainfall could increase mosquito breeding and transmission. Currently, 148 patients are hospitalised, while monitoring and reporting of cases continue.
Scrub typhus cases reported in Shimla, India
Shimla district in Himachal Pradesh has reported 24 confirmed scrub typhus cases during the 2026 monsoon season. Health authorities are advising vigilance, particularly among people exposed to grass, bushes and dense vegetation, where infected larval mites are commonly found. The health department is maintaining surveillance and strengthening early diagnosis, timely treatment and case reporting. Scrub typhus is treatable when diagnosed early, and people with persistent fever, headache or body aches are advised to seek medical care.
Mpox Cases Rise in Karachi, Pakistan
Another mpox case has been confirmed in Karachi, bringing the city’s reported total to 41 cases. The latest case involves a 19-year-old man from interior Sindh, who tested positive by PCR and is receiving treatment in isolation at NIPA Hospital. The hospital has treated seven mpox patients so far. Health authorities continue to monitor cases, including a recently reported infection in a 40-year-old Karachi resident with no recent travel history.
Japanese encephalitis Death in Jhapa, Nepal
Jhapa district in Nepal has reported 14 confirmed Japanese encephalitis (JE) cases and seven deaths in 2026, following the death of an 8-year-old boy on 12 September. Health officials noted that the risk is not limited to children, with exposure to infected mosquitoes and environmental conditions contributing to transmission. In response, the government plans a special vaccination campaign from 21 September to 5 October, targeting around 493,319 people aged over 30 across all 15 local levels in the district.
Polio Cases Rise to 23 in Afghanistan
Four new polio cases have been reported in Afghanistan, bringing the country’s total confirmed cases to 23 in 2026, according to WHO. The latest cases were detected in Helmand, Kunar, Nuristan and Farah provinces. Afghanistan has also reported 76 positive environmental samples this year. Along with Pakistan, which has recorded three cases, Afghanistan remains one of the only two countries where polio transmission continues, highlighting the importance of sustained vaccination and surveillance efforts.
Around the world
World One Health Congress Calls for Action to Turn Commitments into Implementation
The 9th World One Health Congress, held in Lisbon, Portugal, brought together more than 1,300 experts from 107 countries for over 80 sessions and nearly 600 scientific posters. The Congress launched a Joint Statement and Call to Action, urging decision-makers to increase investment in One Health research, translate commitments into actionable policies, and strengthen integration across human, animal, plant and ecosystem health. Discussions also highlighted traditional and Indigenous knowledge, biosecurity, antimicrobial resistance and the need to connect scientific evidence with policy and implementation. The next Congress will be held in Brisbane, Australia, from 10–13 October 2028.
Ebola Outbreak in DRC Reaches 7,200 Confirmed Cases
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reached 7,200 confirmed cases across 62 health zones in seven provinces, according to an epidemiological report published on 13 September 2026. A total of 3,475 deaths have been recorded, giving an overall case-fatality rate of 48.3%, while 1,712 patients have recovered. Contact tracing coverage stands at 88%. The epidemic peak was reached during the third week of August, with a gradual decline in confirmed cases and deaths since then. Response activities continue across affected provinces, including active surveillance, investigation of suspected cases and intensified contact tracing. In the latest 24-hour period covered by the report, 20 additional patients were declared recovered.
Spatial Emanators Offer New Tool Against Malaria as Mosquitoes Adapt to Bed Nets
Mosquitoes that transmit malaria are increasingly biting earlier in the evening or outdoors, reducing the protection provided by insecticide-treated bed nets in some settings. Indonesian Papua, where malaria transmission remains high, is among the areas facing this challenge. A newer vector-control tool, spatial emanators, may help fill this gap. Endorsed by WHO in 2025, these passive devices slowly release an insecticide into the surrounding air and do not require electricity or burning. Studies in Indonesia, Thailand and Tanzania suggest they can repel, stun and kill mosquitoes. A major trial in Kenya found a 33% reduction in first-time malaria infections and a 32% reduction in overall new infections among children. WHO currently recommends spatial emanators for indoor use alongside bed nets, while further research is underway to assess their effectiveness outdoors and their potential role in managing insecticide resistance.
CDC Alerts Clinicians on Rising Rabies PEP Use
The US CDC has reported a 17% increase in rabies-related inquiries during July–August 2026 compared with the same period last year. At least eight state health departments also reported increased use of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), errors in administering it, or both. By September 2, use of rabies vaccines had increased 33%, while rabies immunoglobulin use rose 76% compared with last summer. The CDC is reminding clinicians to assess exposures carefully and follow recommended PEP protocols, given the regimen’s complexity, limited supply and high cost.
H5 bird flu detected in urban foxes in Australia, prompting renewed focus on urban biosecurity
The detection of H5 bird flu in red foxes in metropolitan Adelaide and Torquay, Victoria, has prompted calls for greater attention to wildlife and pest management in urban areas. The Adelaide detection in August was the first reported detection of H5 in a land mammal in Australia, followed by confirmation in a fox in Victoria. While authorities are not currently concerned about foxes spreading the virus directly, infected foxes could potentially move infected bird carcasses, particularly in urban environments. Australia has an estimated 1.7 million foxes, with densities reportedly much higher in some urban areas than in rural settings. Experts are urging residents to reduce opportunities for foxes to interact with backyard poultry and other animals by securing food and waste and limiting access to potential prey. The developments highlight the importance of a One Health approach linking wildlife, animal and urban biosecurity.
