Pandemic Risks Persist: COVID-Like Threats Looming in 2025

The specter of COVID-19 reminds us that the risk of a global pandemic remains ever-present, with experts estimating an annual likelihood of 2–3% for a new outbreak—translating to nearly a 50% chance within the next quarter-century 

Continued SARS-CoV-2 Activity

Recent WHO data show a resurgence in COVID-19 test positivity, rising to 11% across 73 reporting countries as of 11 May 2025—matching peaks seen last summer—driven largely by the Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia, and Western Pacific regions (who.int, cidrap.umn.edu).

Ongoing Mpox Epidemic

The 2023–2025 mpox outbreak continues to impact vulnerable populations, with over 16,800 suspected cases and 570 deaths reported in the DRC alone by August 2024, underscoring persistent zoonotic threats even as global focus shifts 

Regional Measles Resurgence

In 2025, measles outbreaks have surged: 1,267 confirmed cases across 38 U.S. jurisdictions with 27 distinct outbreaks through July 1 and 7,132 cases with 13 deaths reported in the Americas by mid-June—a 29-fold increase over the same period in 2024 

Strategic Imperatives & LCB Solutions: 

- Border Biosecurity & Disinfection: Implement LCB’s proven border crossing decontamination and biosecurity solutions to neutralize biological threats at points of entry.

- Proactive R&D: Invest in broad-spectrum vaccines and rapid diagnostic platforms.

- Enhanced Surveillance: Deploy AI-driven genomic monitoring at borders and urban centers.

- Global Collaboration: Strengthen data-sharing and joint simulation exercises.

LCB Worldwide delivers end-to-end crisis management—spanning field diagnostics, containment, and policy support—partnering locally to fortify defenses against the next pandemic threat.