Global Center for Health Security

- Our Expertise Overview
- Why Nebraska?
  Nebraska’s difference is an all-star, all-volunteer team that dedicated itself to being ready for any biocontainment crisis at any time.
- Leadership
  The Global Center is led by experts in biopreparedness and high-consequence infections research, education and clinical care.
- Scholars
  Our scholars represent the pinnacle of health security expertise and are integral to advancing the mission of the GCHS in the domains of clinical care, operational response, research and development, and training in health security, and emergency response. GCHS scholars play a critical role by contributing to strategic priorities, shaping initiatives, and advancing the GCHS’s global leadership.
- Affiliates
  Our affiliates are innovative experts collaborating to advance global health security.
- C-STARS
  C-STARS, the Center for Sustainment of Trauma Readiness Skills- Omaha is a collaboration between UNMC, Nebraska Medicine, and the Air Force Research Laboratory’s School of Aerospace Medicine. C-STARS Omaha works closely with UNMC’s Global Center for Health Security, iEXCEL, and the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit to take advantage of the medical center’s capabilities and expertise in biopreparedness training and research.
- Our Team
  Our team consists of a variety of professionals providing support and project management to further the Global Center for Health Security’s mission.
- Domains Overview
- Clinical Operations
  The Global Center for Health Security is the premier U.S. institution for management of high-consequence infections. Further, our clinical capabilities include biological, chemical, burn, and radiation domains.
- Education & Training
  Our expertise is now sought worldwide and officially sanctioned by the U.S. government. The GCHS is the home base to the national Training, Simulation, and Quarantine Center and the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit.
- Research
  The GCHS has laser-focused existing work by our leading scientists in fields like chemical weapons, drug discovery and public health.
- International Partnerships & Innovation
  The GCHS tackles the most pressing problems in emerging infectious diseases through international partnerships and innovation.
- Programs Overview
- Core Capabilities
  Learn about the GCHS’ 4 core capabilities: Emerging Pathogens Lab , Nebraska Biocontainment Unit , the National Quarantine Unit, and deployable teams.
- Core Programs
  The GCHS works with multiple core programs to enhance our capabilities to respond effectively to public health challenges.
- Partnerships
  The GCHS partners with many outside organizations to strengthen our commitment to addressing global health challenges through research and innovation.
- Associated Groups & Programs
  Learn more about the impactful programs led by GCHS leadership, scholar, and affiliates.
- Academic Programs
  Explore GCHS academic programs which include the Health Security Fellowship and the Biological Defense and Health Security program.
- Health Emergencies Overview
- Outbreaks to Watch
  Find information about emerging pathogens, diseases and outbreaks from around the world. Stay updated on the most recent information on worldwide global health and emerging pathogens outbreaks.
- Ebola Virus
  GCHS is currently monitoring the outbreak of Bundibugyo ebolavirus. This page provides information, resources, and updates.
- Measles
  The GCHS is currently monitoring measles cases. This page provides information, resources, and news.
- Cyclosporiasis
  Explore resources and updates for the current cyclosporiasis outbreak.
- H5 Avian Influenza
  Learn more about the current worldwide H5 Avian Influenza outbreak and explore resources, news, webinars, and our unofficial map.
- COVID-19
  Explore our COVID-19 page for recent news, resources, manuals, and playbooks. Biweekly overviews of new data and developments presented by James V. Lawler, MD, MPH, FIDSA can now be found on the Health Emergencies page.
The Transmission
- News Overview
- Events
  Explore GCHS and partner upcoming events and training opportunities.
- Annual Reports
  Explore our annual reports.
- Videos
  Explore our videos.

Category: West Nile Virus

Vector-Borne Diseases, West Nile Virus

10/11 NOW: Four West Nile virus cases confirmed in Lancaster County

Four people in Lancaster County have tested positive for West Nile virus, the health department said Tuesday. According to the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department, two of the four people were hospitalized.

Aug 26, 2026

Vector-Borne Diseases, West Nile Virus

LA Times: Dead of a mosquito bite: L.A. records West Nile fatality as California cases hit 5-year high

After an abnormally warm winter and a blistering March heat wave, California has seen a surge in mosquito activity that has driven West Nile virus cases to a five-year high. As of last week, there had been 30 human cases of the virus and three fatalities across the state, according to the California Department of Public Health.

Aug 26, 2026

Vector-Borne Diseases, West Nile Virus

CBS News: Orange County confirms first human West Nile virus case of 2026

Orange County Health Care Agency officials have confirmed the county’s first human West Nile case of 2026, which some medical experts believe could be one of the worst mosquito seasons on record.

Aug 6, 2026

Vector-Borne Diseases, West Nile Virus

WBOC: West Nile virus detected in Delaware for first time this year

Delaware has detected West Nile virus for the first time in 2026 after a sentinel chicken in eastern Kent County tested positive, state officials announced Wednesday.

Aug 6, 2026

Vector-Borne Diseases, West Nile Virus

WXII: North Carolina detects first West Nile Virus illness, early mosquito activity raises concern

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging residents to protect themselves after confirming the state’s first West Nile virus illness of 2026.

Aug 6, 2026

Vector-Borne Diseases, West Nile Virus

EuroNews: West Nile virus spreads in Europe? Greece reports surge, Italy leads infections, first case in Germany

The spread of West Nile virus — a mosquito-borne disease transmitted primarily by infected mosquitoes — in Greece is showing an upward trend, according to the National Public Health Organisation.

Aug 6, 2026

Vector-Borne Diseases, West Nile Virus

KSNT: Kansas at high risk of virus that can cause brain damage and death

Health officials report the entire state of Kansas is at high risk of a virus spread by mosquitoes that can cause people to fall seriously ill and even cause permanent damage.

Aug 3, 2026