Communicable disease threats report, 2-8 September 2012, week 36

For the week of 2 September, the Communicable Disease Threats Report (CDTR) carried updates on a continuing outbreak of Salmonella Stanley in several EU countries, additional autochthonous cases of malaria in Greece and the hantavirus pulmonary syndrome outbreak in Yosemite National Park, US. From 1 August 2011 to 5 September 2012, EU Member States reported 375 cases of Salmonella Stanley. The number of cases rose progressively and continuously each month from April to August 2012.  Investigations are ongoing regarding the possible source by relevant national food safety/veterinary authorities in close collaboration with the public health authorities. ECDC is facilitating a coordinated response for the investigation related to humans cases. Two new autochthonous cases of malaria in Greece bringing the total for this year to eight autochthonous cases and 42 imported cases. The risk for travellers is considered to be low since both areas are agricultural rather than touristic.  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Yosemite Park authorities have reported an outbreak of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) among visitors to Yosemite National Park, California. As of 7 September 2012, eight cases have been confirmed since June 10, including three fatalities. As HPS is not transmitted from person to person,  there is no risk to the general public in Europe from this outbreak. ECDC has published a rapid risk assessment to assess the risk for European visitors to Yosemite National Park and an additional further epidemiological update. ECDC is assisting Member States with contact tracing and continues to coordinate contacts with European Commission, US Centers for Disease Control and WHO EURO.  The weekly Communicable Disease Threats Report provides a bulletin intended for epidemiologists and health professionals in the area of communicable disease prevention and control.