Communicable disease threats report 23-29 June 2013, week 26

​From April 2012 to 27 June 2013, 77 laboratory-confirmed cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus(MERS-CoV), were notified to the World Health Organization, including 40 deaths. Between 20 and 27 June 2013, 13 new cases and two fatalities were reported in Saudi Arabia.

 

The continued reporting of MERS-CoV cases by the Saudi Arabian authorities indicates an on-going source of infection on the Arabian Peninsula. This also suggests a continued risk of further cases in Europe associated with travel to the respective area. Surveillance for cases is therefore essential, particularly regarding increased travel to Saudi Arabia expected for the month of Ramadan in July and the Hajj in October this year. See also the updated ECDC risk assessment on MERS-CoV.

 

So far in 2013, no cases of West Nile fever (WNF) have been reported in EU Member States. In week 26, four cases were reported from Israel without information on the district of infection. This brings the number of recorded cases in EU neighbouring countries (Russia and Israel) to eight. During transmission season, ECDC produces weekly West Nile fever risk maps to inform blood safety authorities about affected areas. This supports national authorities in implementing control measures to prevent the transmission of WNF via blood products.