Batches of ViaSpan^®, a solution used for the preservation of kidney, liver and pancreas before transplantation, were recalled on March 30. Myers Squibb issued a voluntary precautionary recall of all batches produced since 4 July 2011 after reports of potential contamination with Bacillus cereus. No cases of B. cereus infection following transplantation have been reported to date. However, B. cereus may cause serious infection in immunocompromised patients.

ECDC has prepared a rapid risk assessment, which has been distributed to the European Commission and to national authorities responsible for organ safety. Nevertheless, uncertainties regarding the confirmation and extent of contamination of the implicated batches, the microbiological characteristics and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the implicated strain are limiting the ability to accurately assess the risk.

Additionally, ECDC continued monitoring measles outbreaks in Europe. To date, three countries have noted large outbreaks in 2012: the UK, Romania and Spain. In other EU Member States the reported numbers are lower so far this year than those reported for the corresponding period last year. Transmission seems to be following the traditional seasonal pattern.

Read more:
European Measles Monthly Monitoring
Communicable Diseases Threat Report week 14