Communicable disease threats report, 15-21 September 2013, week 38
The ECDC communicable disease threats report is a weekly bulletin intended for epidemiologists and health professionals in the area of communicable disease prevention and control. Summarising information gathered by ECDC through its epidemic intelligence activities regarding communicable disease threats of concern to the European Union, it also provides updates on the global situation and changes in the epidemiology of communicable diseases with potential to affect Europe, including diseases that are the focus of eradication efforts.
Executive Summary
The ECDC Communicable Disease Threats Report is a weekly bulletin intended for epidemiologists and health professionals in the area of communicable disease prevention and control. Some of the diseases included in this week’s report are:
West Nile virus
As of 19 September 2013, 167 human cases of West Nile fever have been reported in the EU and 436 cases in neighbouring countries since the beginning of the 2013 transmission season. This season is progressing in a comparable way to previous years. ECDC produces weekly West Nile fever risk maps during the transmission season to inform blood safety authorities regarding affected areas. In addition, ECDC published a West Nile fever risk assessment tool on 3 July 2013.
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)
Between 12 and 19 September, three new cases were reported by national health authorities, all in Saudi Arabia, including two deaths. The continued detection of MERS-CoV cases in the Middle East indicates that there is an ongoing source of infection present in the region. The source of infection and the mode of transmission have not yet been identified. There is therefore a continued risk of cases occurring in Europe associated with travel to the area. Surveillance for cases is essential, particularly with expected increased travel to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj in October.
Download
