Centre for Epidemic Preparedness & Response, LSHTM

Graphic with a red background. Text reads: ‘Did you know?’ Below it, large white text reads: ‘Measles, mumps and chickenpox can all lead to a serious condition called encephalitis, which can damage the brain.’ In the bottom right corner, there is a white outline illustration of a brain with lightning bolts above it and a warning symbol below.

Measles, mumps, and chickenpox are 3 viruses that can cause encephalitis, an uncommon but serious swelling of the brain.

The MMRV vaccine protects you against all-3 of these viruses, as well as rubella. 🔴🧠
#Red4WED #WorldEncephalitisDay

Measles is highly contagious and can be dangerous.
Know the symptoms.
Remember: Measles can be prevented through vaccination.

Don't miss today's daily dose.

An image of a child wrapped in cotton wool, playing in a colourful ball pit. The text reads: “Wrap your children up with the best protection – vaccinations. Stay strong. Get vaccinated.”

🆕 We’re excited to announce the launch of a new government campaign urging parents and guardians to get their little ones vaccinated to protect against serious illnesses such as measles.
🔗 nhs.uk/childhoodvaccinations
#StayStrongGetVaccinated

Welcome to the official Health Policy & Planning Bluesky account, published by @oupprimary.bsky.social in partnership with the @lshtm.bsky.social.

Follow us for share research, insights, and debate on health systems, policy, and planning from across the globe.

Nipah virus causing a possible real-life ‘Contagion’ film scenario – should we Nipah virus causing a possible real-life ‘Contagion’ film scenario – should we be worried? | LSHTM

With #Nipah virus causing infections & deaths in West Bengal in India & Bangladesh – should we be worried?

We ask Centre member @sorukeem.bsky.social what scientists know about it & what is being done to contain and treat infections.

👉 bit.ly/3MO7Den

@lshtm.bsky.social @cmmid-lshtm.bsky.social

‘We almost lost you in the night’ - the life-threatening rise of measles in the UK It is one of the most infectious diseases around, and can cause blindness and hearing loss – and can also be fatal. Why are cases now soaring and what can be done about it?

UK continues to see #measles outbreaks, the latest in North London schools

This follows year-on-year decline in measles #vaccine uptake.

@benk-d.bsky.social talks to @theguardian.com about the complex factors behind rise of measles in UK:

www.theguardian.com/society/2026...

#PublicHealth

👋Interested in studying @‌LSHTM?Join our upcoming Virtual Open Days (3-5 March 2026)

Book your place & attend live webinars & Q&A sessions with our programme directors, current students & student services to find out what makes LSHTM a unique place to study.

👉 www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/visit-...

We've seen an increase in cases of mpox over recent months, but levels remain much lower than during the 2022 outbreak.

For those who are eligible, the mpox vaccine is available routinely along with other vaccines such as 4CMenB for gonorrhoea , HepA, HepB and HPV.

Want to gain hands-on experience analysing large amounts of data using methods from bioinformatics, population genetics & statistics?🧬

Learn to process sequencing data to construct genomes and identify genomic variants on this short course.

Running 20-23 April 2026

👉 bit.ly/4662DZb

Happy #FollowFriday!

Want the latest scoop on #PublicHealth advice, research & events? 😀

Then follow LSHTM's centres, projects & groups! 👇

Welcoming new additions 🎉

@iceh-lshtm.bsky.social
@lshtm-laors.bsky.social
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bsky.app/starter-pack...

👩‍🔬 For International Day Of Women And Girls In Science #IDWGS2026, we spoke to @icon-lshtm.bsky.social member @wendesafari.bsky.social

Find out about her journey from Tanzania to research in childhood cancer @lshtm.bsky.social & her advice to women in #STEM

Read 🔽
www.lshtm.ac.uk/research/cen...

Hello Bluesky!

We're the Centre for Global Chronic Conditions at
@lshtm.bsky.social, a group of multidisciplinary researchers seeking to improve understanding of and responses to chronic conditions in low, middle & high-income countries

📲Follow us for updates on our research, events, blogs & more

Cape Verde stomach bug deaths

Damien Tully & Brendan Wren give advice on #Shigella & how good hygiene can help you avoid sickness:

Wash hands with soap & warm water after restroom use & before eating, & drink boiled or bottled water.

www.lshtm.ac.uk/newsevents/n...

Funding: First and Next Generation scholarships.

📣Scholarship opportunity📣

@lshtm.bsky.social is offering a range of widening participation scholarships to tackle barriers to further education.

🎓Next Gen Scholarships - home students, on-campus.

🎓LSHTM First Gen Scholarship - distance learning MSc.

⏰Deadline 27 March 26

Apply👉 bit.ly/4qhlurn

Gauri Godbole Deputy Director, Gastrointestinal Infections at UKHSA, said: “We’re investigating a number of Shigella cases in the UK. Most people affected had travelled to Cape Verde, mainly staying at hotels in the Santa Maria and Boa Vista areas. Shigella can cause watery and bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps and fever. It can be caught from contaminated food or water, often linked to overseas travel, but can also be transmitted during and after sex.”

We are current investigating Shigella cases linked to travel to Cape Verde. Regular handwashing with soap and water (especially after the toilet, changing nappies, and before handling food) is the best way to prevent the bacteria from spreading.

Six years after COVID-19’s global alarm: Is the world better prepared for the next pandemic? Six years ago, the Director-General of the World Health Organization sounded the highest global alarm available under international law at the time, declaring the outbreak of a new coronavirus diseas...

Six years ago, the Director-General of the @who.int sounded the highest global alarm available under international law at the time, declaring the outbreak of a new coronavirus disease (later known as COVID-19) a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
Statement: bit.ly/4af2tzL

Looking to build a foundational knowledge of #InfectiousDisease modelling?

Join our hybrid short course delivered by LSHTM and @ukhsa.bsky.social introducing key modelling tools and practical applications.

Runs from 15 - 26 June 2026

Apply by 15 May 2026👉 bit.ly/3bw2bWH

Truth about Nipah virus from four top virologists Four top virologists provide a run down on the Nipah virus emerging from India - including how deadly it is and how likely it is to spread

#Nipah virus: top virologists discuss deadly outbreak & how likely it is to spread

In The Mirror, Kaja Abbas explains how virus can cause severe respiratory & neurological disease, but human-to-human transmission limited & unlikely to lead to widespread pandemic.
www.mirror.co.uk/news/health/...

“Nipah virus causes severe respiratory and neurological disease in humans, potentially progressing from fever and headache to acute encephalitis.” Dr Kaja Abbas, Associate Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Dynamics at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and Nagasaki University

BREAKING NEWS: #Nipah virus outbreak in #India

After cases confirmed in #WestBengal some countries bring in airport screening.

Kaja Abbas & Sol Kim comment on Nipah symptoms & transmission, efforts to control outbreak & risk to wider region. #PublicHealth

👉 www.lshtm.ac.uk/newsevents/n...

Dr Vanessa Saliba, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: 'Infections can return quickly when childhood vaccine uptake falls; elimination is only possible if all children receive two MMRV doses before school. Older children and adults who missed vaccination must be caught up. The NHS is making vaccination easier, including offering the second MMRV dose earlier at a new 18-month appointment to boost uptake and support elimination goals.'

UKHSA responds to the confirmation from @WHO that the UK has lost its measles elimination status.

Read more from WHO here: https://bit.ly/3YZuOFa

BREAKING NEWS: UK loses its #measles elimination status

@benk-d.bsky.social highlights failure to reach 95% measles #vaccine coverage target in UK

+ need for secure funding for vaccine outreach efforts & joined-up #PublicHealth response

Read more: www.lshtm.ac.uk/newsevents/n...

NHS must learn lessons of Covid to overcome winter flu, say experts If not, academics say people will continue to get sick and die while schools close and hospitals are overwhelmed

#NHS must learn lessons of COVID to overcome winter #flu

In the Guardian experts including @martinmckee.bsky.social say increasing vaccine uptake, boosting support for people to stay home when unwell & increasing ventilation would help protect from flu.
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...

2025 was a year of action for @thepandemicinst.bsky.social. From rapid research funding to global partnerships and community engagement. Watch our Year in Review video below, and download our brochure for more info: www.thepandemicinstitute.org/app/uploads/...

#PandemicPreparedness #GlobalHealth

NHS bracing for worst ever winter crisis in next fortnight amid rising flu cases Hospitals treating record numbers of flu patients but worst is yet to come as medical bosses urge people to get vaccinated

#NHS bracing for worst ever winter crisis in next fortnight amid rising #flu cases

Shereen Hussein tells @theguardian.com 'safe connection should be priority' & urges people to check on welfare of older relatives & neighbours, & take them to be vaccinated.

www.theguardian.com/society/2025...

How can I support my vulnerable relative this #flu season?

Shereen Hussein says while #vaccine is most effective protection for high-risk groups, staying away when ill or wearing a mask during visits to older people & those receiving care also advisable.😷

www.lshtm.ac.uk/newsevents/n...

#Flu in the UK - what you need to know

Listen to LSHTM Viral podcast on flu pod.link/1497329104/e...

Read more from our experts: www.lshtm.ac.uk/newsevents/n...

#PublicHealth

👋Our MRC-LID studentships are now open for applications with @citystgeorges.bsky.social

MRC-LID provides research opportunities focused on improving #GlobalHealth with skills, training & the expertise of 2 specialist institutions.

Apply by 14 Jan 2026👉 mrc-lid.lshtm.ac.uk

Looking to further your knowledge & skills specific to #pandemics?

Our online short course is designed for those working on disease outbreaks to develop skills critical to effective pandemic preparedness & response.

Runs 19 Jan - 20 Feb 2026

👉 bit.ly/3iyCwS4

Graphic with text reading 'LSHTM Viral, New Episode: Winter Flu Alert'. Graphic shows stylised white outline of a person's head and shoulders in a yellow circle surrounded by concentric white icons of a first aid kit, viruses, a syringe, and another person, all inside yellow circles against a purple background.

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Why is #flu such a tricky virus?

Find out how flu interacts with other winter viruses & why we need a new #vaccine each year from expert Punam Mangtani in the latest LSHTM Viral podcast

Listen 🎧👉 pod.link/1497329104/e...

#H3N2 #PublicHealth

✍️Applications are open❗️

👉Check out the @nihr.bsky.social PhD studentship @lshtm.bsky.social. Your opportunity to contribute to a collaborative, high-impact research programme focussed on optimising #vaccine effectiveness. 💉

🗓️Apply by 12 Jan
🔗 bit.ly/4iLeXTH