Report Highlights Rising Global Infectious Disease Trends
Rising rates of measles and mpox highlight why keeping up to date with routine vaccinations is essential for your protection.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Diseases — General
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A new report from Massey University identifies rising global trends for polio, mpox, and measles. These infectious diseases continue to cross international borders, highlighting the importance of robust health surveillance and vaccination efforts.
Why it matters
Infectious diseases can spread rapidly through travel and migration, making ongoing health monitoring vital for global safety. Keeping up with vaccination schedules remains the primary defense for individuals to prevent the resurgence of these preventable diseases.
This report aggregates international disease tracking data, including a significant jump in mpox and a more than threefold increase in measles rates over recent years. While trends are documented, the specific mechanisms driving these surges require further analysis.
The players
Massey University
An academic institution in New Zealand that conducts research and reporting on public health and infectious disease trends.
World Health Organization
The United Nations agency responsible for international public health, which monitors outbreaks and coordinates global response strategies.
The details
Surveillance systems monitor infectious disease activity globally to identify emerging threats before they cross borders. Maintaining high vaccination coverage is essential to keep population-level immunity robust and prevent localized outbreaks from becoming sustained, multi-country issues.
Timeline
2022: Global measles rates were 25.7 cases per million.
2023: Global mpox cases totaled 9,666.
August 2024: The WHO declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern.
2024: Global measles rates reached 82.8 cases per million.
2025: Polio cases were reported in Nigeria, Chad, and Ethiopia.
Health Landscape
This report arrives in the wake of the WHO Public Health Emergency of International Concern declaration for mpox, which heightened global awareness of infectious disease tracking. It reinforces the need for sustained vigilance against preventable conditions that capitalize on global connectivity.
Ensuring your routine vaccinations are up to date is the most effective way to protect yourself against measles and polio. Discuss your travel history and current immunization status with your doctor if you are planning to visit regions with recent disease outbreaks.
The takeaway
Infectious diseases like measles and mpox remain a global concern that necessitates ongoing vigilance and high community immunity. Confirm your immunization records are current with your physician to ensure you remain protected against preventable pathogens.
Further reading
For more on monitoring and preventing infectious threats, visit our Diseases — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Massey.
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