Global Scans · Pandemic · Weekly Summary

A global catastrophic risk is a hypothetical future event that has the potential to damage human well-being on a global scale. Some events could cripple or destroy modern civilization. Any event that could cause human extinction is known as an existential risk.

• [New] The current dengue outbreak underscores the continuing public health threat posed by dengue in Sri Lanka. World Health Organization: WHO
• [New] A drug-resistant superbug dubbed an urgent threat by health officials has spread across nearly two dozen US states - and its highly generic symptoms make it difficult to spot. New York Post
• [New] Covid, Ukraine and now Iran have brought unprecedented disruptions to the energy status quo. Baillie Gifford
• The Democratic Republic of the Congo will receive 70,000 doses of the Ervebo Ebola vaccine as health authorities respond to an ongoing outbreak of Bundibugyo virus disease. Open Access Government
• The Food and Drug Administration recently approved an updated COVID vaccine for people 65 and over, as well as for younger people who have a condition that increases their risk of severe illness from COVID. NewYork-Presbyterian
• Early outbreak detection could rely on real-time sequencing information through the CDC's Advanced Molecular Detection Program. Belfer Center
• The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted the energy sector of the United Arab Emirates, leading to disruptions and decreased demand for transportation fuels and industrial activities. Markets and Data
• The BCC's Quarterly Economic Survey for Q2 of 2026 shows that only 17% of firms plan to increase investment, a post-pandemic low. British Chambers of Commerce
• SARS-CoV-2 is still bringing waves, and global health bodies track viral evolution to see the bigger picture of pandemic risk. Yahoo Health
• Vaccine acceptance in the US could be significantly increased by informing individuals about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. PubMed Central (PMC)
• The sustained high levels of vaccine hesitancy in Southeastern Europe following the COVID-19 pandemic may pose significant risks to population health and herd immunity. PubMed Central (PMC)

Last updated: 14 September 2026