Building the Future of Biodefense

Recommendation: Rising chickenpox incidence in Uruguay is not likely to impact organizations, but it serves as a reminder that outbreaks can cause operational disruptions, including worker absenteeism for illness or caregiving duties. Organizations should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members.

Situation: Uruguay reported an increase in chickenpox cases that started in 2024. 327 chickenpox cases were reported so far in 2025, surpassing the total for all of 2024 (187). Most cases this year were in Montevideo (163), followed by Canelones (38), and Paysandu (29). 34 outbreaks were recorded, primarily in families and educational settings. [Confidence: Very High]

Recommendation: Organizations in Travis County, Texas, 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 positive detection of measles in wastewater in Travis County, Texas. The detection was from early July. The detection suggests that at least 1 individual in the community around that time was infectious with measles. Travis County reported 2 imported measles cases so far in 2025, though there is an ongoing outbreak that originated in West Texas, now totalling 762 cases this year as of 7/22. [Confidence: Very High]

Recommendation: The West Nile virus (WNV) season typically runs from May to October in New York City. Organizations should reduce mosquito habitats by eliminating sources of standing water and applying insecticides to outdoor water storage containers. Employees can reduce infection risk by wearing clothing that covers skin, using mosquito repellents, and emptying standing water.

Situation: New York City detected WNV in mosquito pools in 4 of the 5 boroughs in the past 2 weeks. Staten Island, Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx all detected the virus this season, indicating that the disease is circulating in those areas. Most virus-positive pools were in Staten Island (66 of the 141 positive pools). Manhattan has not detected any positive mosquito pools, and no human cases have been reported in the city yet. [Confidence: Very High]

Recommendation: Chikungunya is not considered endemic in China, but localized outbreaks in southern and eastern provinces have occurred, including in Guangdong, after importation from abroad. Organizations in Guangdong, 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.

Situation: Chinese media sources reported that the outbreak in Guangdong Province reached 1,873 confirmed chikungunya cases over the weekend, increasing over 1,000 cases since the outbreak was first reported last week. Health officials stated that all cases were mild, and most are concentrated Shunde District, though Chancheng and Nanhai Districts also detected cases. Health officials launched a large-scale response to minimize further transmission. See the PHC alert on 7/16 for earlier info. [Confidence: Very High]