Communicable disease threats report, 10-16 August 2014, week 33

​The ECDC Communicable Disease Threats Report (CDTR) is a weekly bulletin intended for epidemiologists and health professionals in the area of communicable disease prevention and control. This issue covers the period from 10 to 16 August 2014 and includes updates on: 

West Nile virus, transmission season in EuropeThe first human case of West Nile fever in the EU this transmission season was reported this week. The individual in question lives in East Attica, Greece and has no travel history. The implementation of control measures is considered important for ensuring blood safety by the national health authorities when human cases of West Nile fever occur.

 

Outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in West AfricaAs of 11 August 2014, the cumulative number of cases in the four affected countries – Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone – stands at 1 975, including 1 069 deaths. While this is the largest EVD outbreak ever reported, the risk of infection for travellers is considered very low. ECDC published a risk assessment on 4 August and an epidemiological update on 15 August.

 

Chikungunya in the Caribbean Epidemiological data indicate that the outbreak, which started in Saint Martin (FR), continues to expand. Increasing case numbers have been observed from most of the affected areas, with more than 580,000 suspected or confirmed cases. Further spread of the outbreak is to be expected.