Overview
- NHS leaders report record influenza hospitalisations for this point in the season, describing a worst-case scenario for the time of year.
- UKHSA says a drifted A(H3N2) subclade K is now the dominant strain nationally and urges eligible people to get vaccinated.
- Health officials confirmed a recombinant mpox infection in a recent traveler from Asia and warn the virus can be severe, with experts noting ongoing global activity.
- MMR uptake fell to a 15-year low in early 2025, with measles outbreaks in England and renewed concern that rubella could resurge, posing serious risks in pregnancy.
- Researchers highlight food insecurity as a driver of vulnerability to infection, and experts caution that preparedness gaps persist for a potential 'Disease X' despite new vaccine technologies.